Butler heavyweight boxer Brian Minto has an April 17 date in the Butler Days Inn ring, but he still doesn't have an opponent.

CENTER TWP — Though he's eager to land a fight against a world title holder or contender, Brian Minto isn't waiting by the phone.

The 34-year-old Butler heavyweight has other things to do, such as run, spar and perform a training regimen that includes throwing a 25-pound medicine ball and working out with a 75-pound kettle ball.

"It's pretty detailed,"Minto said. "But it's worth it. I'm always ready. You never know when the phone call's going to come."

In the meantime, Minto's five-day training schedule — he takes Fridays and Sundays off — is getting him ready for his April 17 bout at the Butler Days Inn.

Pat Nelson, Minto's manager, is awaiting word from potential opponents Hasim Rahman (45-7), Lou Savarese (46-4) and Frans Botha (46-7). Rahman is a former WBC world champion.

"We would like a challenger with a credible name and ranking — someone in the top 80 to 90th percentile in the world computer rankings,"Nelson said.

Boxrec.com rates more than 1,100 heavyweights. Rahman is ranked 18th, Botha 48th and Minto 57th. Savarese hasn't fought since June 2007 and is unranked.

"I have no idea who my opponent will be on the 17th, but it's going to work out and I'll be fighting somebody that day,"Minto said.

Minto (32-2, 21 knockouts) has been sparring twice a week, working out against 6-foot-5, 240-pound Nick Firtha (16-4) of Akron, Ohio, and 5-10, 215-pound Jim Emrick (7-3-1) of Butler.

Minto said he's working in the ring against smaller, quicker fighters as well, "because you never know what you're going to be up against."

Working with personal trainer Steve Hildebrand and fight trainer Tom Yankello during the week, Minto does his floor work on Wednesdays and conditioning on Thursdays.

"I'll run hard for three minutes, then jog for one, do intense workout for three minutes, rest for one, to stay in boxing mode,"he said.

Yankello works with Minto on boxing technique while Hildebrand works with him on technique from a training perspective.

"I don't do the weights, powerlifting stuff,"Minto said. "I go through routines that will help me in the ring.

"Steve's techniques have done a great job preparing me for this local fight. I am the lightest (210 pounds) and yet the strongest I have been in my career."

The card will feature about 14 bouts, most of them amateur fights.

Tickets are $35 for general admission, $750 for ringside tables, and are available by calling the Butler Days Inn at 724-287-6761.