RYAN Martin is hoping to put his injury worries behind him when he gets back into the ring for the first time in nearly eight months.

The 20-year old made his debut in March, defeating Jason Nesbitt on points, but has not fought since then due to a troublesome hand injury.

The doctors have told the former England and Walcot ABC boxer that he does not need to have an operation, but Martin will be fighting against the pain when he does step into the ring this Saturday at the Oasis.

“I am really eager to get out,” he said after Saturday’s open training session at Fitzpatrick’s Gym.

“I was worried about the hand before but now I have put in a solid training camp, working hard every day, and I am really looking forward to getting the job done.

“They said that with me being a boxer, there is not a lot they can do with it at this point. I’m not doing any permanent damage. I have just got to deal with the pain at the minute.

“It is my second pro fight and it kind of feels like I have had to start again. I’ve got a good idea of what it was like in the first fight and I won’t go in with as much nervous energy.

“In the first fight, I was really jittery and I was really on edge and I used a lot of energy up being so uptight but this one, I will go in a bit more relaxed and it is a fresh start.”

Martin has been sparring with fellow Swindon welterweight boxer Garvey Kelly in the build up to his return to the ring and was full of praise for the Paddy Fitzpatrick-trained fighter.

The pair had a four-round sparring session on Saturday morning in front of the public and Martin is looking forward to finally getting in the ring with Kevin McCauley, who he was meant to meet earlier in the year.

“I am feeling really good,” added Martin.

“I’ve just done some hard rounds with Garvey. Garvey was looking in shape as well, so it was brilliant sparring for me. We’re both strong guys going toe-to-toe and I feel in peak fitness now.

“I wanted him (McCauley) as well because he is a tough bloke who will come to fight and he won’t give me too much respect. I think he will push me back and try to stop me with my skills and try and pin me in the corner.

“I think that is what I need. I need to show people I am not only a skilful fighter, I can take on a tough guy.

“I am young but I know I am strong.”