Maxi Hughes feels like he is going over old ground this weekend but the 35-year-old Yokshireman couldn’t be happier about it.

On December 12, Hughes (29-7-2, 6 KOs) will box Tajikistan's undefeated Bakhodor Usmonov (11-0, 5 KOs) at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai.

Dubai holds happy memories for the lightweight contender.

"Eight weeks after beating Jono Carroll [a unanimous decision win in August 2020], I was in Dubai against the unbeaten Viktor Kotochigov," Hughes remembered.

"A good amateur, unbeaten as a pro in 12 fights, similar to this kid. I got a job done on him so it's a good place to be, nothing I've not done before."

The decision win over Kotochigov was second of six consecutive victories that changed Hughes' life.

He went on to win the British lightweight title, a minor 135-pound world title and made the trip to America to fight former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos.

Although he lost a highly controversial majority decision to the Australian, Hughes’ performance kept him in the mix. Unfortunately, late visa issues destroyed his preparations for a fight with dangerous Mexican puncher William Zepeda, and Hughes was stopped after four rounds in March 2024.

Undeterred, Hughes regathered himself. He's looked as sharp as ever in comfortable victories over Gary Cully and Archie Sharp.

The last time Hughes travelled to Dubai, he did so as a relatively unknown underdog.

These days, the southpaw is respected as a top-level lightweight and he knows beating Usmanov will move him closer to a second major world title shot.

Life is much, much different for the former painter and decorator.

"I was still at work then," he remembered. "I'd use all my holiday days up through boxing and sparring days. I'd work right up until fight week, and then I'd take fight week off as unpaid leave. Obviously, I got paid for the fight, so I used to say, "I'm all right for a week unpaid from work because I'm going to get paid for the fight. I'll be all right.

"It was during COVID as well so times were strange. It was tough but I was adamant that I was going to get a couple more wins and surely to God, I'm going to get my chance to hang the tools up. It was near on a year after beating Jono, Viktor and then my break came where I could hang the tools up."

Hughes can see clear parallels between Usmonov and Kotochigov.

The Tajik fighter is undefeated and was talented enough to box at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The 27-year-old is undoubtedly talented but Hughes represents a sizeable step up both in terms of skill and know-how.

"He's only had 11 pro fights. He was a decent amateur but we've seen time and time again, that doesn't always translate to being an exceptional pro," he said.

"I've done things the hard way. I've earned everything that I've done the hard way and had more than 11 championship fights - more fights than he's had - at a good level.

"So that's my plan, that my experience is going to be the key here."

Although extremely confident of beating Usmonov, the fight is a risk for Hughes who knows that he can ill afford to suffer another defeat to retain hopes of snaring a world title shot.

Usmonov's position at No. 5 in the WBA's lightweight rankings makes it a risk worth taking.

Gervonta 'Tank' Davis holds the WBA belt but hasn’t defended it since held to a majority draw by Lamont Roach in March. The 31-year-old had been due to box Jake Paul in an exhibition bout on November 14 but missed out when a civil lawsuit was filed against him.

No. 3-rated contender Andy Cruz is scheduled to box IBF champion Raymond Muratalla atop a Matchroom show in Las Vegas on January 24.

The path to a title fight is clearing. Hughes has created a plan, beating Usmonov figures to be the most important part of it.

"What I've sort of manifested in my head is that obviously I'd love the 'Tank' fight, but who knows what he's doing? He's sort of held that belt hostage," he said.

"So the ideal scenario is put some pressure on the WBA, make him relinquish the title and then I'll fight Floyd Schofield for the vacant belt. He's the No. 1 contender, I'll have won an eliminator. We're the top guys for that belt, so let's get it on for that vacant belt and next year become world champion."