[bigMatt]

He has captured the well-earned reputation of taking on the toughest the division has to offer. Today, Teofilo Stevenson signed to become the chosen opponent in Muhammad Ali's first PBF title defense, which will take place in the month of November.

With scarcely a month to prepare, Stevenson will train hard to lace it up against an opponent he almost beat the last time they faced one another.

In response to criticisms levelled at Ali for skipping over several potential opponents to duel 10th ranked Stevenson, Ali's manager had this to say, "Stevenson is the only guy so far who has given Ali any kind of challenge in the ring. Fight fans want to see a rematch, and that's what we're going to give them."

Gentleman Jim Corbett had some decidedly ungentlemanly comments when told of Ali's decision to fight Stevenson. "Ali may hold the belt, but it's becoming apparent that he will only fight guys he knows he can beat. Let him get in the ring with someone of my skills. I think you'll see he is definitely beatable."

There are only 10 total bouts scheduled for the month, but several notable matchups worth watching:

#6 Jimmy Elliot 15-2-0 (3) v. #11 William Miller 14-2-1 (2)
Jimmy Elliot headlines the second of two fight cards this month, drawing William Miller in what promises to be an entertaining fight. Elliot won in an earlier matchup between these two last February in Essen, Germany, in a 12 round unanimous decision. Miller is looking to avenge that earlier loss, the only one he's suffered since entering the PBF.

#7 Tom Sayers 14-2-0 (3) v. #17 Alex Garcia 14-2-0 (4)
In a battle of similar styles, two sluggers hammer it out on the undercard of the Elliot/Miller card. Sayers is hoping to draw a title shot with another win against a tough opponent, and Garcia certainly qualifies as such. This should be a slugfest - odds are strongly against it going the 10 round distance.

#13 Billy Australian Smith 13-3-1 (4) v. #16 Billy Wilson 13-2-2 (1)
The "Australian" has had an up and down year in 1890, beating Joe Goss earlier in the year, then falling to Teofilo Stevenson in the PBF tourney in record time, the victim of a KO blow 15 seconds into the bout. Wilson has been impressive for the most part - his only loss in 1890 coming at the hands of Jimmy Elliot in the same tournament - a victim of a 10 round UD.