Finally, Jose Ramirez will get to defend his WBC and WBO light-welterweight titles against Viktor Postol on Saturday.
The duo had two different fight dates cancelled previously due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but it appears set to be third time lucky as they prepare to top the bill inside the MGM Grand's bubble in Las Vegas.
On the face of it, Ramirez has little to gain and much to lose against an opponent who, while not known for his hard-hitting power, has the durability to suggest he should prove a tough obstacle to navigate with a unification bout looming on the horizon.
The champion from California was impressive last time out, stopping Maurice Hooker in sensational fashion to claim the WBO belt.
However, that was over a year ago. Training camps leading up to planned bouts in February and May proved fruitless. Still, after the frustrating delays, a determined Ramirez is ready for action.
"I took a few weeks off to get reset and just enjoy my family for a few weeks before I came back to the gym," he told Stats Perform News. "Now it's been a good solid nine weeks of training camp to get ready for this fight, which I'm looking forward to."
The 28-year-old knows there is more than just titles at stake here. Win and a showdown with Scotland's Josh Taylor, who holds the IBF and WBA straps, could be next, potentially even before the end of 2020, according to promoter Bob Arum.
A move up to welterweight appears likely at some stage in the future too, yet for now the focus has to be firmly on Postol, a 36-year-old with plenty of experience and out to prove he's far from past it. The Ukrainian is unlikely to freeze on the big stage either, despite being nicknamed 'The Ice Man'.
If Ramirez plays it cool and prevails, big opportunities beckon. Defeat, though, will suddenly ruin those grand plans for career-defining nights.
RECENT HISTORY
A former Olympian - he was part of the United States' boxing team at the 2012 Games, Ramirez collected more gold when he impressively put paid to Hooker's unbeaten record in July 2019.
Hooker had home advantage in Arlington, Texas, but it did him few favours. Caught by a left hook, the local boy was stopped in the sixth when taking a flurry of shots while stuck against the ropes.
Ramirez was somewhat less convincing when recording a majority decision verdict over Jose Zepeda earlier in the year, but he still managed to retain the WBO belt he claimed with victory over Amir Ahmed Imam in 2018.
As for Postol, his only two defeats - both on points - have come against high-class opposition. Having gone the distance with Terence Crawford in 2016 before losing his WBO strap on the scorecards, he went 12 rounds with Taylor two years later.
Since that second reverse, he has recorded victories over Siar Ozgul and Mohamed Mimoune in low-key 10-rounders.
TALE OF THE TAPE
JOSE RAMIREZ
Age: 28
Height: 5ft 10ins (178cm)
Weight: 9st, 13lbs, 8oz
Reach: 72.5ins
Professional record: 25-0 (17 KOs)
Major career titles: WBC, WBO light-welterweight
VIKTOR POSTOL
Age: 36
Height: 5ft 11ins (180cm)
Weight: 9st, 13lbs, 7oz
Reach: 73.5ins
Professional record: 31-2 (12 KOs)
Major career titles: WBC light-welterweight
THE UNDERCARD
Chief support is provided by another clash between two light-welterweights, as the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr - who boasts a stoppage win over Mike Alvarado on his professional record - takes on Canadian Tony Luis over 10 rounds.
The rest of the card sees prospects in action hoping to catch the eye in Vegas, including lightweight Raymond Muratalla and welterweight Elvis Rodriguez.
WHAT THE FIGHTERS HAVE TO SAY...
Ramirez on Postol: "He's a very complicated fighter so hopefully I overwhelm him and my pressure and my power, my skills, my speed, and hopefully I surprise myself too in how much I've grown as a fighter. I'm more focused on seeing that from myself rather than to be worried about what he's going to bring to the table."
Ramirez on the delays: Everything happens for a reason. I'm a man of faith so I stay optimistic. I don't lose my faith. I don't lose myself in many distractions. I stay very focused. I'm very focused on August 29.
Postol on his preparations: "This camp was tough, because I came three months before this date. But I feel good, I feel ready. Ready to fight."