On March 18, Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) will finally get his chance to demonstrate his know-how when he makes his first outing on American television. The upcoming contest will be carried on NBC Sports and Punching Grace, live from Puerto Rico.

Mbilli will face experienced Olympian Ievgen Khytrov (20-2, 17 KOs).

Shortly after signing Mbilli, Eye of the Tiger Management allowed Marc Ramsay's protégé to return to action in Mexico by facing Rolando Paredes (16-12-2, 11 KOs) on December 12. Mbilli finish off Paredes in the third round when he unloaded a multitude of power shots.

Being convinced that the former Olympian has all of the potential to eventually win a world title, Camille Estephan of EOTTM made sure to offer Mbilli new challenges - including this upcoming opportunity.

“Christian will have a great fight against Khytrov. When we spoke to Christian, he accepted without hesitation. Khytrov has around 400 fights in Olympic boxing and was world champion in the amateurs. There are not many people who want to confront him, just like Christian. This fight on NBC will open a new window for Mbilli which will bring him to world title fights very soon,” says Estephan.

For his part, Khytrov not only has an impressive run in the amateur ranks, but he also has an excellent record among the professionals. Nicknamed the “Ukrainian Lion”, he obtained 85% of his victories by knockout against tough opponents.

“For me, it's an honor to face someone I admired as an amateur. At the time it was a whole group [in the Olympics for Ukraine]. There was Lomachenko, Khytrov and Usyk, they made up a rather fearsome team. When they arrived, we said - 'Wow, the Ukrainians are really very strong!' It is therefore an honor for me to face one of them. I am giving my 100% in training to have a perfect strategy, to have a perfect fight and to come out at the end of the fight with another win on my record," said Mbilli.