Former IBF super middleweight titleholder Lucian Bute will be trained by Freddie Roach in advance of a Dec. 6 return to the ring against an opponent to be determined at Bell Centre in Montreal, Interbox announced on Thursday.

“It’s an honor for me to benefit from the advice of a renown trainer,” said Bute, 34, in a release. “I have the intention to give everything I have to come back strong in the ring for my fans and the boxing supporters.”

Having lost two of his past three fights, Bute dropped a unanimous decision to former titleholder Jean Pascal in a light heavyweight bout at Bell Centre in January. Prior to facing Pascal, Bute scored a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten light heavyweight Denis Grachev in November 2012.

“Knowing that after a few months of research, the answers were positives for Lucian and with all the talent that we know he has, Roach seems like the man of the situation,” said Jean B├®dard, president of Interbox. “I am more than enthusiastic when I look at his future. He still has excellent years in front of him and it’s the occasion for him to take a new burst.”

Bute plans to join WBO welterweight titleholder Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines in advance of Pacquiao’s Nov. 22 defense against rising WBO 140-pound beltholder Chris Algieri in Macao, China.

Note: Quote from an Interbox release.

GAVIN MCDONNELL TO FACE VUSI MALINGA ON OCT. 25

Junior featherweight Gavin McDonnell will face ex-beltholder Vusi Malinga on Oct. 25 at the Ice Arena in Hull, England, Matchroom Sport announced on Thursday.

“Gavin wanted a test of his credentials at world level and he’s certainly got that in Vusi Malinga,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport. “It’s great credit to him and his team for taking this fight and if Gavin can land the win, it catapults him onto the big stage.”