RICHARD Farnan believes Kelvin Young can get back to competing for a Southern Area title, providing the fighter trains properly after making a U-turn on his decision to retire.

The 29-year-old boxer had initially announced his retirement from the sport following his fourth round stoppage loss to Tommy Philbin at the start of December.

However, Young has had a change of heart and has approached Farnan to work with him again in a bid to bring the good times back.

The pair first teamed up together in 2013 where they won and defended the IBO inter-continental crown.

But a shock defeat against Kiril Psonko in November 2014 saw the Penhill fighter bring that partnership to an end.

After splitting from Farnan, Young had a number of trainers, including Devizes’ Liam Wilkins, who had his licence withdrawn last week after a sparring session left Trowbridge’s Nick Blackwell back in a medically induced coma, eight months after being placed in one following his British title loss to Chris Eubank Jr.

During that time, Young only claimed two wins in eights contests with both of his opponents withdrawing through injury, while he suffered four stoppage defeats.

“When we worked together the first time - that was the most successful time in Kelvin’s career,” Farnan said. “And he wants to try and get back to that level.

“If I can get Kelvin to even 90 per cent of that I think he will look amazing. I think he has got something left to offer, but he has to train properly.

“I have told him that I have to be in charge of his strength and conditioning and his boxing technique and it is a case of so far, so good.”

Before making the decision to hang up his gloves last year, Young suffered some heavy punishment in three successive stoppage defeats.

However, Farnan feels if he can get Young, who is still going to be managed by Keith Mayo, fit again then that he will also help with his punch resistance.

“I don’t want Kelvin standing in the centre of the ring having arguments with people,” Farnan said. “I want to get him back to his boxing and countering people.

“I can’t comment on what has gone on before but if I can get him fit then that will also help with his punch resistance.

“We have got a 13 weeks together, we are looking at April 15 (in Swindon), and we will go from there. We will probably have a couple of six-rounders and if all goes well then hopefully we can look at a Southern Area title.

“We are probably looking at campaigning at light-heavyweight (175lbs) - at the moment he’s under 190 pounds, and to be honest, with a good solid 13-week camp that is nothing.”