By Francisco Salazar

Former world title challenger Carlos Carlson returns to action against Isaac Zarate on July 21, Thompson Boxing Promotions general manager and matchmaker Alex Camponovo confirmed to BoxingScene.com.

The eight round featherweight bout will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Carlson (22-2, with 13 KOs) last fought on March 2, losing by knockout in round seven to WBC World bantamweight titleholder Shinsuke Yamanaka. The 27-year-old Carlson had not lost since his pro debut in March of 2011.

After mostly campaigning at or around the bantamweight limit of 118 pounds in recent years, Carlson will skip a weight class in order to face the southpaw Zarate on July 21.

"It doesn't matter to me," said Carlson, who resides in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. "I've been in with tougher guys than (Zarate). I just have to fight my style and let my punching do all the work."

"(As far as the Yamanaka fight), you learn more in defeat than you do in victory. I know what I need to work on to earn another world title shot."

Zarate (12-3-2, with 2 KOs) has been on the short end of close decisions, particularly in his last three fights. The San Pedro, California resident is coming off an eight round split decision loss to Erick Ituarte on May 19.

In his previous fight on September 23, Zarate lost to unheralded Saul Hernandez by split decision. Back in October of 2015, Zarate fought to a split decision draw over eight rounds to Heriberto Delgado.

Zarate hopes to snap a three-bout winless streak and make a name for himself at the expense of Carlson.

"I usually fight at junior featherweight, but I'm comfortable moving up one division. It's not that big of a deal to me. My last fight was at featherweight."

Heavyweights Scott Alexander (12-2-2, with 6 KOs) and Mario Heredia (13-5, with 11 KOs) square off in an eight round bout.

The six-fight 'New Blood' card will be streamed on Thompson Boxing's Facebook page and at ThompsonBoxing.com, beginning at 10:45 p.m. ET/ 7:45 p.m. PT. Beto Duran will call the action, with Boxingscene.com's Steve Kim providing the color commentary.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for RingTV.com since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, Boxingscene.com, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing