Ruben Galvan was named yesterday as the opponent to face Paul Spadafora in Spadafora's return to the ring April 29 after a one-year hiatus and his first pro bout at the junior-welterweight 140 pounds.

Galvan (20-4-2), a Mexican who fights out of Chicago, is a "tough kid," said promoter Mike Acri. "Probably the fastest kid Spadafora has fought. Combination puncher. It'll be an interesting fight.

"You have to remember, too, Paul hasn't fought for a year," Acri added of the former lightweight champion who last boxed May 17 to a draw against Leonard Dorin. "Who knows where his level will be? First time in the ring in a year. First time since the incident last fall," after which Spadafora was charged with shooting his girlfriend.

Spadafora, who demanded his promoter arrange a fight near Pittsburgh, is the main event on the card at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. To help defray costs of the bouts in a 1,400-seat venue, Acri sought a Latin American or European fighter to stir interest in foreign television rights, which he did sell on tape-delay basis to Mexico and Latin America, he said.

Tickets, costing $100, $60 and $20, can be purchased at the Hilton, Pittsburgh Brewing, Three Rivers Boxing, Fredo's Deli and Blue Eagle Sports.

More boxing

Andrew Golota (38-4, 31 KOs) and Chris Byrd (37-2, 20 KOs) will square off for the IBF championship Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Also, John Ruiz (39-5-1, 27 KOs) will defend his WBA title against Fres Oquendo (24-2, 15 KOs). ... Julio Cesar Chavez (105-5-2, 85 KOs) will end his career May 22 in Mexico City with a farewell bout against Frankie Randall (59-14-1).