Arlovski Boxing for Charity on Feb. 27

Andrei Arlovski will finally try his hands at boxing in a four-round heavyweight exhibition match against Fres Oquendo on Feb. 27 at the Fountainbleau Miami Beach Hotel and Resort in Miami.

The charity bout will benefit The Consequence Charity, which raises funds to help “reduce and prevent adolescent criminal behavior and supporting communities with proactive intervention programs with the purpose of directly impacting the lives of vulnerable youth and their families.” The fight will be a part of “The Blacks Annual Gala,” an annual event hosted Roy and Lea Black for the philanthropic Miami community.

Arlovski, a former UFC heavyweight champion who started in Sambo before falling in love with the sweet science, has flirted with a professional boxing career for the last couple of years. The 31-year-old Belarusian signed a multi-fight contract with Golden Boy Promotions in 2008, though a bout has yet to materialize because of scheduling conflicts with the fighter’s MMA career.

Arlovski, who’s earned 12 of his 15 career victories by KO or TKO, was knocked out by Brett Rogers in only 22 seconds at a Strikeforce event last June in St. Louis.

Arlovski is currently in negotiations with multiple promotions, including Strikeforce, for his MMA return.

The 36-year-old Oquendo holds the WBC Latino heavyweight and interim NABA heavyweight titles, and knocked out Bruce Seldon during his last appearance in July 2009 in Chicago. Oquendo’s record stands at 31-5, with 20 knockout victories.