Nozipho Bell is eager to get back into the ring when she takes on 23-year-old Russian boxer Azalia Amineva in an eight-round bout in Russia on November 27.
The Gqeberha boxer has already started preparing for the fight, even before it was officially confirmed, as she does not want to spend too much time out of the ring while waiting for news about her expected world title defence.
Bell was due to defend her World Boxing Federation (WBF) title in December, but with no confirmation about the fight, she has accepted the opportunity to face Amineva to keep herself active.
Although it is not a title contest, Bell plans to approach it like one and is not underestimating her opponent.
"We have been preparing even before we heard about the fight, and I am very excited about it," she said.
"What I need is an opportunity, and I am grateful to the promoter for giving me that opportunity.
"It's an eight-round fight, it's not going to be easy.
"But as an experienced boxer, I am going to use my experience on the day and take things easy.
"Every fight is important to me, so I am not taking this fight lightly."
Bell has been training under coach Caiphus Ntante, while continuing her conditioning programme with Sifiso Flyer Fitness.
She remains managed by Lonwabo "Lonki" Witbooi.
A former WBF world featherweight champion, Bell has also held South African and IBF Intercontinental titles and previously challenged for the WBO and IBO world crowns.
Her last fight was in June, when she beat Zimbabwe's Chiedza Homakoma on points at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to claim the vacant WBF Intercontinental junior-welterweight title.
"I am physically and mentally ready for this fight. I want to go to Russia and make SA proud by coming back with a victory," Bell said.
