THE DECISION to not hang up his gloves following a ‘nightmare’ back injury has proven to be an inspired decision for Coventry super featherweight boxer Troy James after he made a winning return to the ring on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old, from Wyken, has lined up a shot at the British title after beating journeyman Youssef Al Hamidi on a points decision in Birmingham on Saturday night.
It completes a remarkable return for James whose last fight was pulsating British Eliminator points win over Ronnie Clark in September 2014.
And now he has his sights firmly set on a shot at the British title against Liam Walsh which could take place as early as next month.
“It was my first fight back so it was nice to dust off the cobwebs but there was a couple of occasions where I thought about calling it a day,” the Red Corner boxer told the Observer.
“At one point I did start to feel that it wasn’t getting any better than I did start to think that my career would be over.
“Everything I was trying with the physios wasn’t working but then I met with a new strength and conditioning coach and it took a good month before that had a positive impact.
“But now I’m back doing what I do best. It was my first fight back and touch wood I’ll be fighting for many more years to come.
“The fight went well against an experienced boxer. He was a little older than me so he didn’t throw as many punches but I managed to get the rounds in.”
James is the mandatory challenger for the British title and looks set for a shot at the belt against current holder and Commonwealth holder Walsh from Rochdale.
“If the fight happens I can’t wait to come up against someone of the calibre of Walsh,” James added.
“He’s gone 19 fights unbeaten and he’s the British and Commonwealth champion so that would be my ‘world title’ shot.
“Everyone in boxing is going to write me off but me and my team think we’ve got a very good chance and we’re looking forward to it taking place.”
