Retirement wasn't just a possibility, it seemed like a reality for Tony Harrison.

With just one win over the last seven years, including a brutal one-sided beating inflicted by Tim Tszyu in March 2023, the former WBC champion appeared done with the game.

However, after taking a near two-and-a-half layoff, Harrison is returning with a new attitude and up a weight class to boot. On July 26, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, he'll walk through those ropes flashing a bit more muscle than we're used to seeing.

Harrison will face Dominican Republic's Edward Ulloa Diaz (15-6, 12 KOs) in a 10-round contest as he prepares to make his middleweight debut on the undercard of Claressa Shields' undisputed heavyweight title defence vs. Lani Daniels. Although he respects his agemate, doesn't believe he'll be an arduous test and is viewing him as a stepping stone.

He won't and can't overlook him, but by the same token, Harrison has big ambitions to accomplish with an increasingly short window among the world's elite.

"Regaining a world title is my No. 1 goal, and I am feeling very strong at 160," Harrison said in a written statement. "It all starts once again on July 26 in my hometown. Let's eat."

Aiding him on his new journey will be Dmitry Salita and Salita Promotions. With Harrison being unveiled as a new signing earlier this week, his future is now directly linked to the former boxer-turned-longtime promoter.

The soon-to-be 35-year-old has a lot of miles on his odometer and knows it. However, he's also aware that skills pay the bills and believes that area of his game will never leave. So, with Harrison racing against the clock, 'Superbad' wants to make this last run memorable.

"I have a short window left, so we are going to be active, keep winning, and eventually get back to the mountain top."