After absorbing the first loss of his professional career at the hands of Chris Eubank Jr., former interim WBA middleweight champion Dmitry Chudinov (14-1-2, 9 KO), returns to the ring on Sunday at the Open-Air Bike Show in Sevastopol, Crimea. The bout will be promoted by Vladimir Hrunov and televised live on Russia 2 TV.

The 28-year-old native of Serpukhov, Russia will face untested Adrian Luna Flores (18-3-1, 11 KO) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico. The 25-year-old Mexican has only fought outside of his home country once in his career. That bout took place in May 2014 and Flores fell to Ryota Murata via a wide unanimous decision.

Despite the loss, Flores is still regarded as the national middleweight champion of Mexico. Flores did win his last fight. He defeated Bladimir Hernandez via eight-round majority decision in June.

Flores should provide a tough and game opponent for Chudinov as the latter looks to get back on the winning track.

Chudinov needs to regain his confidence after the brutal loss he suffered to Eubank Jr. After being outfought for almost the entire fight, Chudinov succumbed to Eubank Jr.’s relentless attack in the 12th round. To prepare for his ring return, Chudinov has put himself through a rigorous and focused training camp over the last eight weeks.

Still, he has to do more than just prove he’s capable of coming back to the ring physically. Losses like the one he had against Eubank Jr. can sometimes break a fighter mentally.

Chudinov showed great heart and determination to push to the end of the bout, but it will be interesting to watch him against Flores. Does the Russian still possess the passion to rise to contention at 160 pounds?

We’ll find out on Sunday.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.