KELVIN Young said that trainer Richard Farnan was not the only person he had to persuade about putting his retirement plans on hold.

The 29-year-old former IBO super-middleweight inter-continental champion announced before Christmas that he would no longer be a professional boxer after suffering three successive stoppage defeats.

However, during the festivities, Young had a change in heart and approach his former trainer Farnan in a bid to rediscover his form.

And once he had persuaded Farnan to train him again, there two more people Young had to win over.

“Lisa (Young’s wife) and my mum (Lynda), they didn’t want me to box anymore,” explained Young.

“But I think they could see that it is what makes me happy and I have now got their backing.

“The icing on the cake was this three-fight deal with the Neilsons (Neilson Boxing) to headline in Swindon.

“That has really got me buzzing and it is all about rebuilding and getting a title fight by the end of the year.”

The journey will begin on Saturday, April 15 when Young headlines a six-bout Neilson Boxing-promoted show at the Play Football Arena.

And since returning to camp with Farnan, the Penhill boxer insists that he has been fully committed to his training.

“Before I said I was retiring, I had been speaking to Rich quite a bit – we have always been mates,” Young said.

“When I asked Rich to train me again, I had to show that I was fully committed and I believe I have been doing that.

“I had my best days under Rich and that is what we are looking to bring back.

“The Southern Area title is the minimum aim. I should have won the light-heavyweight title (last July) but I had some bad luck as I was in the away corner.

“Right now it is about rebuilding. I’m only 29, I still feel there is a lot left to give.”

Tickets for the ‘Homecoming Show’ are priced £60 VIP table including food, £40 ringside, £30 unreserved seating and £10 for U16 accompanied by an adult and are available from www.neilsonboxing.co.uk or calling 01793 833468.