Former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver last fought in June 2012, when he had a draw with Lateef Kayode in a cruiserweight fight at Home Depot Center in Carson. But he tested positive for steroids afterward, and he was suspended for a year by the California State Athletic Commission.

Tarver, who will be 45 on Nov. 21, will make a comeback as a heavyweight when he takes on Mike Sheppard in a 10-round fight Nov. 26 at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. (on Fox Sports 1).

Tarver is anxious to get back in the saddle.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the ring and showing the world that the ‘Magic Man’ is better than ever and ready for the big fights,” he said. “This is the perfect opportunity to make a statement at home and I can’t wait.”

Tarver, of Tampa, Fla., is 29-6 with 20 knockouts. Sheppard, 38, is from Palestine, West Virgina. He is 21-15-1 with nine knockouts.