Isley and Hicks were both part of the 2020 U.S. Men’s Olympic Boxing Team and split their two bouts at the nationals and the Olympic trials. Isley (16-0, 6 KOs) went on to represent the United States at the 2020 Olympics, while Hicks (12-1, 7 KOs) missed out due to changes in qualifying after the Games were pushed back due to the COVID pandemic.

They’ll settle the score in the pro ranks, as they’ll meet on the undercard of Claressa Shields-Kaye Scott at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on DAZN. For Isley, the opportunity to get revenge has served as extra motivation heading into his 10-round middleweight bout against Hicks.

“It adds a lot of fuel,” Isley told The Ring. “He thinks he’s got the upper hand, but I’m going to show him… He's a good, solid opponent. He's a good fighter. I ain't taking him lightly, so I'm coming to dominate. It's gonna go my way all 10 rounds, whether I knock him out or win by decision.”

Isley, The Ring’s No. 5-ranked middleweight, added that he was injured heading into his loss against Hicks at the Olympic trials and had surgery afterwards.

The Alexandria, Virginia, native fought for the first time under Salita Promotions in his last fight, beating Leonardo Di Stefano by fifth-round stoppage. Isley, who is ranked No. 9 by the WBC at middleweight, was signed to Top Rank upon turning pro in 2021 but became a free agent in late 2025.

“They've been promoting me how I should have been, and they believe in me,” Isley said of his partnership with Salita Promotions so far. “They’re 10 toes on you know getting me back to championship positions. I like Salita [Promotions]. They’ve been doing me justice.”

Hicks, 32, is coming off his first win since 2024, a unanimous decision against Todd Manuel in a six-round bout on February 10.

While Isley believes their experience against each other holds some weight, he knows he’s a much different version of himself compared to the one Hicks faced. Beyond winning the rubber match, Isley believes he needs more than just a win if he’s going to keep ascending in a wide-open middleweight division.

“It's important to win impressively, so I can start getting some of these big fights and start chasing a world title opportunity,” Isley said.