Former two-time bantamweight titleholder Emmanuel Rodriguez will snap a 20-month spell of inactivity when returning on Saturday.

The Puerto Rican will face battle-hardened Fernando Diaz (16-6-1, 6 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round contest on the undercard of Subriel Matias' WBC junior welterweight title defence vs. Dalton Smith at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

"It's truly a great fight to make my return to the ring," Rodriguez (22-3, 13 KOs) told The Ring.

"He's the perfect opponent, a good fighter, and this would be the path to my third world title. After January 10, there are good plans and that's why this fight is so important to me. Being on such a big stage as the Barclays Center, where Subriel will headline and defend his world title, is a big commitment for me and everyone."

The event will be broadcast live on PPV.com, from 8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. GMT.

His extended spell away from the sport has served as a good point to step away, reviewing his career before returning rejuvenated.

"First, I injured a rib in sparring," he shared. "Then I took some time off to rest, spend time with my family, and do the things I enjoy in my free time, but I'm back on January 10th."

In a bid to become a three-time bantamweight champion he enlisted none other than compatriot Roman "Rocky" Martinez, who also won three world titles at junior lightweight during a productive run from 2009-16.

"The only thing that's changed is my trainer, who is now Rocky Martinez," he continued. "Everything else remains the same. We have good chemistry. He's a very disciplined trainer and very demanding when it comes to training, but you'll see me in good physical and mental condition, which is the most important thing."

Martinez feels he can help Rodriguez match his feat.

"Working with Manny is truly wonderful. He's a two-time world champion with the experience, has demonstrated great talent and consistency in training," explained Martinez.

"He hasn't let me down; those who work with me, when they fail, don't come back. Manny is in top condition for the fight. He's 100 percent and we hope, God willing, for a decisive victory and to fight for a world title in 2026."

The 33-year-old remains steadfast in his desire to win another bantamweight world title.

"I'm going after my third world title," he said. "If I do, Rocky would like me to move up in weight, but it's like everything else, step-by-step. There are plans but first, I need to become a world champion for the third time."

Diaz turned professional in 2018, with the California native having fought largely in Mexico and across several American states.

He scored upset wins over previously-unbeaten pair Jan Salvatierra (KO5) and Lorenzo Smith (UD10) during a three-month spell between November and early February.

However, the 25-year-old has fallen short in subsequent fights against Yankiel Rivera (UD8), John Ramirez (SD10) and, most recently, Dominique Crowder (UD 10) on October 18.