Former 100m World record holder, Asafa Powell has joined the 100m field for the Compeed Golden Gala in Rome, the third stop of the 2012 Samsung Diamond League series, where he will face Olympic and World record holder Usain Bolt.

The race is set for May 31.

Bolt and Powell met at this venue a year ago, where Bolt beat Powell in a time of 9.91s to 9.93s.

This will be the first showdown of the two sprint heavyweights, a little more two months before the London Olympic 100m final on August 5.

Powell has been competing this indoor season and has put up some impressive numbers. On February 18, he clocked 6.50 at the AVIVA Grand Prix in Birmingham, a persona best over 60m. It was the third best result in 2012; only compatriots Lerone Clarke 6.47 and Nesta Carter 6.49 have run faster this season.

sports@gleanerjm.com