Brian Minto was perfect through five professional heavyweight fights in 2005.

The Butler native is still waiting for his first fight of 2006.

That wait apparently will end April 28, when Minto (23-1, 14 KOs) is scheduled to fight in the co-feature event on ESPN2.

His opponent has not been named. The fight card likely will be in Reno, Nev.

"Samuel Peter will be in the main feature and Brian in the co-feature," promoter Lou Duva said. "My son (Dino) is working on getting Brian's opponent right now."

Peter (25-1) and Minto are both under contract to Duva Boxing, Inc. Minto has expressed interest in facing Peter in the ring, but the Duva camp has declined to arrange such a bout.

Minto hasn't fought since Dec. 30, when he scored a three-round technical knockout of Troy Weida in Chester, W.Va.

The four-month layoff will be among the longest of his pro career.

"I'm not worried about that at all," Minto, 31, said. "I'll do a six-week camp (in California, Pa.) before the fight and get in all the sparring I need. I'll be sharp.

"Dino just told me to get ready for an April 28 fight and that's what I'm going to do."

Minto hasn't been at boxing camp since early January. Instead, he has been spending time at home with family.

While at home, he has been running three or four miles three days a week and has been concentrating on strength training.

"I always watch what I eat," he said. "I'm staying around 210 or 213 pounds consistently."

His manager, Pat Nelson, recently asked Minto to drop down to cruiserweight in pursuit of a junior title shot.

"I have no interest in that," Minto said. "If I fought at 200 pounds, I'd lose the edge I have in speed and quickness.

"Most heavyweights have one-punch power. People are concerned about my one-punch power, but that's not how I fight. I'm a boxer. I break fighters down in the ring and strategically beat them."

IBO light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver had interest in moving up to the heavyweight division and fighting Minto, but that never materialized. Tarver is fighting Bernard Hopkins in a light-heavyweight title bout June 10.

Minto said Tarver wanted "a ridiculous amount of money" to fight him.

"He's planning on retiring soon and wants to cash in," Minto said.

Just the opposite, Minto is playing the patience game.

"I've still got time on my side," he said. "I'm 31 and the average age of the top heavyweights is 33 to 36. This will be a good fight in April. I'll be fighting a guy with a good record.

"We're looking for another Vince Maddalone-type. If I can look good here, it sets me up for an HBO or Showtime bout against somebody ranked in the top 10. I'm ready to make my mark."

Maddalone is 25-3 in his career and has lost to Minto twice by technical knockout.

Minto is ranked 38th of 1,106 pro heavyweights world-wide by Boxrec.com.

"I have to bide my time right now," Minto said. "There's only so many network spots available. HBO is planning to add 10 to 20 "Boxing After Dark" shows next year to give the up-and-coming guys a chance.

"In the meantime, it's tough to break through on TV. That's what I'm trying to do now."