The 34-year-old middleweight (34-5, 22 KOs) will return for the first time since his January no contest with Nikita Tszyu, which ended after an accidental clash of heads in the third round. His opponent has not yet been announced.

“He’ll be out to make a statement on August 12 and book a future, massive fight on a big pay-per-view card Down Under,” Eddie Hearn said after confirming Zerafa’s first appearance under the Matchroom banner.

The comment provides the clearest indication yet of Matchroom’s plans for Zerafa after signing him to a multi-fight promotional deal. A victory would likely move him toward another high-profile domestic bout before the end of the year.

The card will be headlined by unbeaten heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana (11-0, 11 KOs), who faces fellow knockout artist DeAndre Savage (11-1, 11 KOs) in what is expected to be the toughest test of his professional career.

“We offered this fight to the current Australian champion and a number of other undefeated heavyweights Down Under. They all swerved it,” Hearn said. “Savage stepped up, and Teremoana gladly accepted the challenge.

“Make no mistake, this will be his hardest bout yet. Savage is a dangerous operator, and he really can whack.”

Savage’s lone defeat came on points to Brandon Moore last year. Every one of his 11 victories has come by knockout, setting up a meeting between two heavy-handed fighters with a combined 22 knockouts from 23 wins.

Also scheduled to appear on the August 12 card are super middleweight Jack Bowen, flyweights Jasmine Parr and Jemma Peart, and unbeaten prospect Lekesha Woodbridge.