CRUISERWEIGHT Luke Watkins is looking to shake up the division as he returns to the ring on Saturday.
Watkins, who has a record of 14 wins and two defeats, one of which came against now world champion Lawrence Okolie, will top the bill at Neilson Boxing’s Fight Town show this weekend.
In his first fight since 2019, the former Commonwealth champion has made a few changes to his set up since his last bout, with former coach Paddy Fitzpatrick retiring from the sport last year.
Watkins is now managed by Bristol’s Chris Sanigar and coached by Tony Borg, who both come with solid pedigree in the sport by working with the likes of Lee Haskins, Lee Selby and Jamie Cox.
Ahead of his return, the 31-year-old says he is looking forward to getting back under the lights.
“Right now, I feel a little apprehensive, obviously I am very much looking forward to it but I understand and recognise that I have a job to do,” he said.
“I’m happy to be fighting again, there were times during lockdown when there was no light at the end of the tunnel but we are almost there and I’m really happy about that.
“I’ve signed a managerial contract with Chris Sanigar – he has been in the game a long time, he’s experienced and he’s taken people from being seeds to being world champions.
“He knows how to manage and do things correctly to get people into the right positions.
“My coach is now Tony Borg who is based in Wales, that came about because Jamie was working with him.”
Promoter Mark Neilson says he’s delighted to have one of Swindon’s boxing stars to feature on the show, which will showcase Wiltshire talent such as Megan Redstall and Connor Gray.
“Having Luke back in the ring is great for the sport, and it is great for Swindon,” he added.
“Luke has an exciting new team around him and at 31-years-old, he is at the peak of his powers so we are really looking forward to seeing him back in action.”
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