My debt to a real hands-on supporter

As most of you will know, fight number five of my career had been pencilled in for Nottingham last Friday night but a perforated ear drum meant the closest I got to the action was a seat at ringside. My return was rescheduled for December 11 in Newport but even that was in a little bit of doubt when I pulled something in my back recently.

Fortunately, though, I was able to drop by and see Pete, who has got me back into shape for the fight. It wasn't just Pete I had to thank, of course. It was Steve Bruce who told me I could use the Academy of Light facilities whenever I wanted, just as the previous manager Ricky Sbragia did. Niall Quinn the chairman has also been a big supporter of mine.

I speak to Pete regularly. He's always keeping on top of how I'm doing. He's a really good physio and it was only a couple of days before I was okay.

It's not long before I am back in the ring but I'm confident I'll be ready for the fight because I was pretty fit before the ear injury.

I don't know who I'll be fighting yet because my promoter, Frank Maloney, wanted me to concentrate on getting back in training before I started thinking about opponents. I'm expecting an announcement next week.

In some ways watching Friday's show was a bit disheartening for me, because I knew I could have been involved in it. But it was a class night of boxing and I was really pleased to see Rendall Monroe keep his titles, because I know he's worked really hard.