For the first time in 16 months, Brian Minto is fighting at home.

Minto, 18-1 as a professional heavyweight, will box in the main event of a fight card March 23 at the Butler Days Inn.

His opponent has not been named.

"A lot of guys get nervous or edgy about fighting in their hometown," Minto said. "I'm not that way. I'm just looking forward to getting back in the ring."

The bout will be Minto's first since he lost a split decision to former heavyweight Tony Tubbs in Chester, W.Va., Dec. 30 of last year.

It will be Minto's first fight in Butler since he scored a unanimous six-round decision over Joe Lenart Nov. 20 of 2003.

"I took him (Tubbs) lightly. I have to admit that," Minto said. "I thought he was fat. I thought he couldn't beat me.

"My mind wasn't where it needed to be. That will never, ever, happen again. I'll be expecting a tough fight no matter who it's against."

The question is who that opponent will be.

Cerrone Fox (7-3) of Michigan has turned down the fight because he's dropping to cruiserweight. Moises Droz (11-4) of Florida remains a possibility.

"We're still looking," promoter Donna Brooks said. "Four possible opponents have already said no for different reasons. Some don't even give a reason."

Brooks is co-promoting the fight with Michael Acri Promotions in Erie and said Acri is working on an opponent.

"We may know by Monday," she said.

Minto lost out on a scheduled fight in Erie the night before Thanksgiving when his scheduled opponent canceled and a replacement couldn't be found.

"This won't be like that one," Minto said. "There's plenty of time here."

"That was a last-minute thing that didn't work out," Brooks agreed.

Minto is leaving for a boxing training camp in California, Pa., Feb. 28 and will train there for three weeks in preparation for the March 23 bout.

He continues to be under contract with Duva Boxing and has been training under Tommy Yankello locally. Brooks is veteran trainer Lou Duva's daughter.

"It's not going to be an easy sell (to a prospective opponent)," Minto said. "It's a club show, so the guy's only going to get $2,000 to $3,000 to come fight an 18-1 guy in his hometown."

Brooks said they are looking for a certain type of opponent.

"We want somebody who's going to walk right up to Brian and fight," she said. "We don't want somebody who wants to run around the ring."

Tickets are expected to go on sale Monday at the Butler Days Inn.