RYAN Martin will hope to finally get to the bottom of his hand injury which has put his fledgling professional boxing career on hold.

The Swindon light-welterweight has only made one appearance in the paid ranks, a points success over journeyman Jason Nesbitt in March, after a glittering amateur career that saw him represent his country.

However, the 20-year-old has been thwarted in his attempts to get his career going because of an injury to his right hand.

Martin, who was set to fight in April and then again in June, is due to see a hand specialist this week to discuss what can be done to remedy the problem.

While the former Walcot amateur is keeping fit in the gym he is desperate to get his career going.

“I was in the gym on Monday night taking my frustrations out on the bag with my left and all I wanted to do was use my right,” Martin told the Advertiser.

“Mentally I’m still in a good place, it is frustrating that I haven’t been able to fight since making my debut, but I know once this is sorted I can come straight back.”

Martin was due to see a surgeon a fortnight ago but that appointment was cancelled due to the specialist being taken ill.

But with the consultation rescheduled, the former junior ABA champion is hopefully that his injury nightmare is almost over.

“I’m hoping that it is not too serious,” he said. “At the moment I’m limited to what I can do in the gym.

“I see the surgeon this week, we can find out what is actually the problem and what we can do about it.”

Although frustrated by his lack of competitive action, Martin is relieved that injury problem is at a time when the UK professional season drawing to a close.

“Given the time of year, it has happened at probably the right time, but it’s hugely frustrating personally.

“I just want to start boxing again, Keith (Mayo, Martin’s manager and promoter) is staying on top of it all, but there isn’t a lot either of us can do at moment.

“It is a case of getting this sorted and then getting back in the ring - that is all I can do.”