miami, florida (cmc):

Former world cruiserweight boxing champion, O'Neil Bell, is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring next month and the Jamaican is beefing up to the higher weight division.

The 33-year-old Bell, beaten in his last two bouts in the 200-pound cruiserweight class, is returning as a heavyweight and will be one of the main attractions on a January 14 show at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. His opponent is listed as Willie Palms.

although the commission is yet to approve the 36-year-old American for the scheduled eight-rounder.

Boasting a ring record of 26 wins (24 knockouts) against three losses and one draw, Bell would be a heavy favourite against Palms, who has lost his last five bouts in a row and has a ring record of 10 wins (5 knockouts) against six defeats and one draw.

Bell's promoter Leon Margules believes he can flourish in a heavyweight division that is not very compelling at this time.

"He's got a lot of power, a lot of guts and I think he is capable," Margules told CMC Sport yesterday.

"Bell punches hard and is very durable, and the heavyweight division doesn"t really have much going for it right now," added Margules, the Director of Boxing for Seminole Warriors Promotions.