Back and in something of a rush. That is Jeff Saunders who makes his long-anticipated comeback in Dunston tonight.
The unbeaten light-welterweight takes on substitute opponent, Naeem Chaudhry, at the Black Flash event at the Lancastrian Suite, in association with Queensberry Promotions.
Saunders has not boxed in 19 months after having his licence suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control following concerns over a brain scan.
That previous appearance – a 10-rounds points verdict against fellow unbeaten 10-stone ace Steven Lewis – put him, seemingly, within touching distance of a title fight.
But, due to circumstances beyond his control, his whole career was put on hold, though thanks to a never-say-die attitude, great determination and positivity from mum, Tracey, and the intervention of Harley Street consultants, Jeff has now been given the go-ahead to resume a very promising career.
And the Frank Warren boxer doesn’t plan to mess about.
“I’d like to be boxing for a title by the back end of the year,” said the 27-year-old. “It’s great being back here then I think we are looking at September 7 when we’ll step up in rounds.
“I don’t want to wait about any longer.”
And who can blame the Sedgefield boxer known as ‘Hands of Stone’.
Since that excellent result against Lewis at the Metro Radio Arena, his 12th successive, his dream of putting those tools back to work had become a long and painful process.
Was there ever a time he thought ‘I’ve had enough’?
“There was never a sense that I’d give up, but there were times when you think ‘is this it?’ and ‘where do I go from here?’,” he told punch-lines.
“You are stuck in limbo, just waiting, you just hope the green light comes.
“I had a bit of a break, but I kept in the gym, kept ticking over and I helped out at the club (dad Jeff’s South Durham ABC).
“I rested my injury, what came up in that scan, and just waited and hoped.”
That hope was rewarded and Jeff was given the green light he was looking for from the BBBC.
Back and training under Niki Gittus at the Wallsend Boxing Academy, he was due to return against Fernando Valencia, but the Mexican failed to make the trip, so now it will be Chaudhry.
The kindest thing to say would be the Blackburn boxer, a former junior champ, does not possess the best of records, but he is young, fit and does not get stopped.
There will be rounds for Saunders at the sold-out Lancastrian Suite, but just boxing again is all that matters.
“I don’t think it feels strange being back, I’m excited,” said Saunders (pictured far right at Wallsend Boxing Academy). “I know what boxing’s all about, but to do that ring walk again and get my hand raised will feel brilliant.”
Words: Roy Kelly
