He's 22, he's Italian and he's coming to Griffith in May.

Lenny Zappavigna claimed the IBO world lightweight title last weekend after a rugged 12 rounds against Ecuadorian fighter Fernando Angulo, and now he has been confirmed as one of the stars set to appear ringside at the next Nitro Boxing promoted event on May 15.

Having been heralded as one of the best young talents to be produced in any weight category in the last few years, Zappavigna took a massive step onto the world stage as he battled against the odds against Angulo.

Despite his opponent coming in more than a kilogram overweight, "Zappa" did not back down from the challenge he had been waiting his whole life for as he battled the cagey Angulo.

Despite copping his fair share of punishment, including a stray headbutt in round seven that opened up a big cut over his right eye, Zappavigna had his hand raised to take his record to 23-0 with 15 knockouts.

"He's been rated as one of the best prospects for the last couple of years and now he's legitimately a world champion on the world scene," Nitro Boxing's Pat Kennedy said.

"He's been a big star on Fox Sports as well; whenever he fights on there he gets plenty of support."

The orthodox fighter is set to be joined in Griffith by current unified WBA and WBC Super Flyweight world champion Vic Darchinyan for the May fight night.

Known as the Raging Bull for his ferocious fighting style and freakish strength generated from a range of punches, Darchinyan is one of the best, most recognisable fighters in the world, except in his adopted homeland of Australia.

The Armenian-born southpaw is more likely to be recognised by the man walking down the street in America, than he his by the biggest sports fan in his own backyard, something Kennedy would like to see changed.

"I don't think there has been enough done to get the Australian public behind Vic Darchinyan, he's better known over in America than he is here," he said.

The 34-year-old last weekend took his record to 33-2-1 with 24 knockouts after his points decision over tough Mexican fighter Rodrigo Guerroin in California.

But in more exciting news, Kennedy himself said he is climbing back in the ring to resume his career after an absence of more than two years.

The heavyweight said he is feeling refreshed after his time out of the gym and said he will have at least one lead-up fight before pulling on the gloves in Griffith.