Moving out to Los Angeles last Autumn disrupted my fight schedule and when I finally did get into the ring, to fight Tommy Tolan in Belfast in December, he headbutted me and I picked up a really bad cut.

I made sure I won the fight before the referee had chance to stop the fight and have a look at the cut but I still needed 18 stitches above my eye. When I returned to sparring in the New Year it was going really well. I was getting world-class sparring and coming out on top but the one time I got caught clean on the cut it reopened, so I had to go and get the scar tissue removed.

It's healed perfectly, and I reckon I would probably be okay to spar again tomorrow, but the doctors have told me to wait another couple of weeks. I just really want to start fighting and winning again.

As a professional sportsman, it's always frustrating when you're injured. It's a bit of a nightmare because boxing's all I can do. And you only get paid when you fight!

When I first turned pro I thought I would be really busy all the time, but since the 2008 Olympics, I've only had nine professional fights.

It's really made me hungry to make the most of it when I get back into the ring and start winning titles.

I haven't been wasting my time since the injury, though. I'm still learning as much as I can from my trainer, Tommy Brooks, and the boxers around me in my gym.

I've done a lot of fitness and conditioning work and I've found some new places to run, up in the mountains here in LA. I'm doing a lot of hard work on the bags and the pads, it's tough, and technically great!

I've also been doing some stuff on the mental side of boxing to make my mind great. I'm pushing myself harder than ever and loving it.

I've never felt so good and hungry since I first turned pro I'm very determined. I can't wait to lace up them 10oz gloves. I wouldn't like to be the next person who has to step into the ring with me!