Canadian heavyweight contender Alexis Barriere returns from a career-first defeat on March 25, with promoter Eddie Hearn urging the 30-year-old to take inspiration from the man who stopped him after a five-round slugfest in October.

Despite suffering 10-round defeats by two of The Ring's top-10 rated heavyweights in Efe Ajagba and Richard Torrez a year apart, Guido Vianello (14-3-1, 12 KOs) forced back into relevance with a highlight reel finish on the Jaron Ennis-Uisma Lima undercard three months ago.

His bold Anthony Joshua callout post-fight sounded fanciful but unsurprisingly led nowhere, though it was a victory which nonetheless shot him back up among world-level opposition.

Now rated No. 8 with the IBF and four spots lower in the WBC's rankings, the Italian has been relatively quiet since as Top Rank plot his next move - targeting the IBF route.

Matchroom, who signed Barriere to a long-term co-promotional deal with Groupe Yvon Michel last year, are keeping their man active by contrast as he's responded well after a humbling setback in his biggest fight yet.

On what's next, Eddie Hearn told The Ring: "I told Alexis - obviously very disappointed at the time - you've lost nothing. Your undefeated record, sure, but you stepped up and made a good account of yourself. Come back, get a good win and we'll go again."

Posting on social media, the 6-foot-4 southpaw spoke about refusing to let this defeat define his career, nor dwell on a loss as it can instead prompt necessary changes.

Having promised to apply more discipline, focus and determination to his craft, the southpaw has remained in the gym under Sugar Hill Steward and will get an opportunity to kickstart 2026 in a scheduled 10-rounder on a local show in Montreal, Canada.

"Vianello is a good example of never worrying about being unbeaten," Hearn added.

"He lost to Ajagba in a split decision and was soundly beaten by Torrez but has since beaten Arslanbek Makhmudov and Barriere, so finds himself in a good spot again. Alexis should look at that example and understand, it's a setback but he's still okay."