GREENOCK boxer John Simpson has thrown his hat in the ring for one final title fight as he prepares for his long-awaited comeback.
The 35-year-old former British and Commonwealth champion is in training for his first bout in nearly three years after a torrid time with injuries — and he is going all out to end his glittering career on a high.
Simpson is scheduled to fight at a St Andrew’s Sporting Club event at the end of April and has his sights set on a title tilt by the end of the year.
He’s been grafting at the gym for the last two months after overcoming persistent problems with his elbows and injuries to his shoulder and ankle since his last fight, a victory at a show in Greenock Town Hall in May 2015.
The dad-of-two says he’s now feeling fitter than ever and is ready for one final push in the twilight of his career.
Simpson said: “People probably thought I had disappeared off the face of the earth.
“I took boxing for granted before — I had it too good to be honest — so I’m desperate to be back on top.
“I know I can get back on top again and get fighting for a title by the end of the year.
“Because of my name and reputation in boxing over the years, the young up-and-coming guys want to fight me and try to get a good name on their record — but that won’t be the case.
“I’m getting older now but I’m on the ball and feeling fitter than ever.”
Simpson has hailed Inverclyde physios Paul Kelly and Phil Paul for helping him recover from his injuries and the impact of local strength and conditioning coach Garry Monkhouse for helping him get into shape.
He is training in the Urban Fit and Colosseum Martial Arts gyms behind McMillan Motors in Greenock ahead of his April comeback.
Simpson has yet to find out his opponent but it will six-round warm-up super featherweight bout with a view to an eight-rounder in the summer en route to a possible title showdown.
He said: “Since November I’ve been training full-time, I was in the gym over Christmas and new year, I’m dieting and working hard.
“I’ve been a good boy.
“I’ve been injured for the last couple of years with my elbows and other things but I’m back.
“Garry Monkhouse, who is a boxer himself, has been doing strength and conditioning coaching with me and he’s made a big difference.
“He’s really helped me get that side of things sorted and that’s been a great addition to my training.
“That’s given me an edge.”
Away from training, Simpson is sharing his expertise with budding boxers at classes in the Colosseum gym, off Campbell Street, alongside coach Robert McMaster and mixed martial arts expert Mark Waddell
They are on Wednesdays at 5pm and Fridays at 4.45pm.
*Simpson would like to thank his sponsors Cafe Flava, Dunn’s MOT Testing, Elev8 Trampoline Park and Andy Armour of Urban Fit Company.
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