Robert Easter Jr., Algenis Mendez to meet in lightweight co-feature on April 1 in D.C.

Robert Easter Jr. is stepping up to his biggest fight to date.

The undefeated lightweight from Toldeo, Ohio, will battle former champ Algenis Mendez on April 1 in the Spike-televised co-feature to Adrien Broner-Ashley Theophane, it was announced Monday. The bouts will take place at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C.

"This fight is another stepping stone for me towards a world title," said Easter, 25. "It's a blessing to be on a card like this and I'm very excited for the opportunity. I'm going to bring my style and true boxing skills to the ring and put on a great show."

Easter (16-0, 13 KOs), who shares a co-trainer with Broner in Mike Stafford, was an alternate for 2012 U.S. Olympic team. While he impressed as an amateur, all his professional bouts have been matchups meant to build a prospect. That changes with the Mendez assignment, though.

The Dominican's competition at both 130 pounds and '35 has been stiff. Mendez (23-3-1, 12 KOs) has beaten notable fighters like Juan Carlos Salgado, Martin Honorio and is coming off a victory over tricky Mexican Miguel Vasquez in October.

Mendez's last defeat came in 2014, when he dropped his junior lightweight title to two-division Cuban champ Rances Barthelemy.

"I really like this matchup and I can't wait to get into the ring," said Mendez, 29. "I'm a different fighter than two years ago when I lost to Rances Barthelemy. Easter is long and tall, he's a good fighter, but he hasn't fought anyone near my caliber and I think his style sets up well for me.

"It will be a good fight between two talented fighters. When the fans see Easter get counted out by the ref, don't think it's an April Fools joke, it will be the real thing."

(Photo of Mendez, left, by Tom Casino/Iron Mike Productions)