JAMIE Cox will dedicate victory over Marcus Portman on Saturday night to his late father Tony.

The 24-year-old’s long-awaited return to the ring marks the end of a troubled time for Cox, who has now been inactive for 14 months.

Troubles outside the ring saw Cox stripped of his boxing licence last year and then his comeback fight in March was cancelled after the sudden death of his father Tony.

Now Cox claims he will bounce back ‘stronger than ever’ and is determined to ‘put on a show’ for his father by earning a 15th career win.

“It is going to be emotional on Saturday without my dad there,” admitted Cox. “But I want to win for him. This performance will be for my dad. I want to put on a really good show for him.

“My dad went to every one of my fights and I know he’ll be there somewhere with me on Saturday night.”

Cox’s absence from the ring has been hard on the undefeated boxer, who has switched from welterweight to the light-middleweight division. And with a new trainer in tow in Birmingham’s John Costello, Cox is confident he will soon be fighting for a domestic title.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring, I’ve been too long out of it,” explained Cox, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 prior to turning professional. “It’s been a tough few years for me really but that’s all behind me now. I’ve got a new trainer, I live and train in Birmingham most of the time now, and I’m totally focused. I’ve also switched up to the light-middle division which suits me better.

“Training has gone really well. I’ve put 100 per cent into preparation for this fight, it really couldn’t have gone any better.

“I will come back a lot stronger than ever this time.”

In Portman, Cox faces a seasoned campaigner who boasts 20 career wins. However, the West Bromwich fighter has been inactive two years and also has seven defeats to his name, which include five knockouts.

Cox is not underestimating his opponent but is determined to come away with victory in the eight-round clash.

“Marcus is a tricky customer who has had quite a few fights,” added Cox. “I’ve sparred with him before so I have an idea of what he is about. He is bigger than me but that doesn’t mean anything.

“I’ve been working on the jab and my defence in training - it has been a really good training camp so I am very confident.

“I will look to find my range as quickly as possible and then try to get him out of there.”

Assuming Cox is successful in his quest on Saturday night, he will then be pestering his promoter Frank Warren for a domestic title shot as soon as possible.

“I would fight for a domestic title right now but maybe Frank (Warren) will want me to get a few more fights under my belt first,” said Cox. “I will just have to see what Frank Warren has planned for me - maybe there will be a title for me at the end of the year.”

Topping the bill at the O2 is newly-crowned WBO light-heavyweight champ Nathan Cleverly.

The Welshman will now fight Commonwealth champion Tony Bellew after original opponent Jurgen Braehmer pulled out on Wednesday, claiming to have an eye injury.

Braehmer was duly stripped of his belt, with the WBO naming Cleverly as their new champ.

The card also features the hotly-anticipated British and Commonwealth super-middleweight clash between James DeGale and George Groves.

Tickets for the show are still available priced £50 and £80. Contact Belinda Cox on 07981916690.