By aus-boxing.com

REIGNING Australian light heavyweight titleholder Kerry Foley returns to the ring for the first time in 2017, headlining a Sydney Fight League card in his hometown of Dee Why on February 25th.

The event will prove to be a homecoming of sorts for the 29-year-old Foley, with the event marking the first time in almost ten years that Foley has fought in front of a home crowd.

Foley (17-2-1, 14 KOs) will be making the second defence of his national strap while contesting the vacant OPBF title against an upset-minded Aaron Lai (8-4, 7 KOs). Lai, 33, has never been finished in his twelve professional bouts, while scoring knockouts in seven of his eight wins.

Lai has been in camp since January, having served as one of Anthony Mundine’s sparring partners in the lead up to his rematch with Danny Green.

Foley, who is eager to make up for lost time, isn’t phased by his opposition and insists that he will be out to make a statement.

“I’m keen to put on a show for my fans and sponsors,” said Foley in a press release. “This is a huge opportunity to win the OPBF title, be crowned the champion of the region and chase a WBC world ranking,”

“My preparation has been good and my trainer Adam Watt is applying the pressure to take me to that next level.”

Since successfully defending his Australian title in 2015, Foley has been on the sidelines after undergoing major surgery an ongoing injury. After a routine knockout win in his December return, Foley believes that he is back to his best and ready to sprint up the ratings.

“This is going to be my year,” he predicts. “My plan is to take on the best and knock people out. There is no one in Australia who can beat me.”