Nikki Bascome is set for his first serious test when he makes his long-awaited return to the boxing ring against experienced journeyman Donny Miller.

Bascome, undefeated after four bouts, will face Miller, by far his most credible opponent to date, in a six-round contest at the Berkeley Institute on Saturday, December 3.

Miller, of West Virginia, has 27 bouts under his belt and should offer Bascome a much sterner examination than his previous opponent, Mexican Erick Reyes, who the Bermudian demolished in a total mismatch at the Fairmont Southampton 12 months ago.

Despite a losing record with just seven wins, Miller has boxed professionally since 2000 and will prepare for Bascome by facing prospect Dan Karpency, the brother of Tommy Karpency — a former light-heavyweight title contender — on November 18 in the US.

Nathan Dill, the Bermuda Boxing Federation president, believes 39-year-old Miller will bring out the best in Bascome, whose “Fresh & Hungry” brand will promote the event after Teachers Rugby Club opted not to hold their annual boxing night.

“We know Nikki has a huge local fanbase so we expect this to be the biggest card of the year,” Dill said. “We’re happy to see Nikki step things up in response to criticism that he’s fighting below his potential.

“For fight fans, it will be interesting to see Bascome have to strategise against a more seasoned and harder opponent.”

The card also features several amateur bouts, with Andre Lambe, Bascome’s stablemate at “Forty” Rego’s Gym, facing a second straight opponent from Baltimore Boxing Club, having beaten Dorian Bostic on points at Fight Night on the Beach at Snorkel Park in September.

“Andre will expect stiff competition in that Baltimore Boxing do not expect to come to Bermuda for a second time to lose,” Dill added.

“Andre is a great role model who assists the BBF in our school-based boxing at CedarBridge Academy and who plans to become a PE teacher.”

Billed as “The Takeover”, the card also marks the return of Shannon Ford, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, after a two-year hiatus because of injury.

Undefeated Tyler Christopher, of Controversy Gym, will look to extend his five-bout winning streak against an overseas opponent.

“Leo Richardson [the Controversy Gym head coach] pushed the BFF to include Tyler on this card and to allow for a real test of his growth and development in the sport,” Dill added.

“This will be a great fight with Tyler putting his unbeaten record on the line and I expect him to have to dig deep to secure a victory.”

In another mouth-watering fight, Robert Somner, of Controversy, will seek revenge against Zain Philpott, of BSA, after suffering a controversial defeat at Snorkel Park.

The contest was stopped by the referee early in the third and final round after an accidental elbow from Somner cut Philpott below his left eye.

Somner, who withdrew from a bout with Philpott at the National Championships at CedarBridge Academy in March because of illness, believed he was the victim of a poor decision and exchanged angry words with Philpott’s corner after the bout.

In kick boxing, Samir Furqan and Krista Dyer, both of BSA, will face overseas opponents, while Team Oracle USA are expected to include a team of boxers after Jeff Causey, their rigger and wing-project manager, debuted at Snorkel Park.