JAMIE Cox says there is no time like the present to get back in the super-middleweight mix.

A domestic dust-up with John Ryder at the O2 Arena on Saturday, May 5 was confirmed for the 31-year-old yesterday as he plots his return to the ring after his October defeat to George Groves.

Cox will fight on the undercard of the rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye, with Ryder coming in on the back of an impressive win over Patrick Nielsen on the same Wembley Arena card as Cox-Groves last year, the 12-round contest set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Stopped in the fourth round of the WBA super-middleweight title bout by a crunching Groves body shot late last year, Cox revealed that after taking some time off, he is back in the gym and feels reinvigorated by his World Boxing Super Series experience.

Reflecting on his defeat, Cox said his aims remain unchanged as he and trainer John Costello prepare for another busy year.

“I was keen to get back in the ring quickly after the loss to Groves. The main goal is to win a world title, that’s what we set out to do and the sooner we are back in contention, the better,” Cox told the Advertiser.

“Most people take a loss and change trainers. It wasn’t the trainer’s fault. You both do it together and we will rebuild from that.

“It wasn’t John’s fault because he was actually telling me the instructions and telling me the right things because he could see the red mist was coming.”

Referring to the Ryder clash, Cox added: “John put on a great display against Nielsen, it was a grand finish so hats off. Obviously, I didn’t see it at the time but I’ve seen it back since. Fair play to him, he got a big win.

“John comes across a gentleman. It’s business at the end of the day. I know what he’s about, I’m expecting the best John Ryder.

“I’m looking forward to mixing it with him. Beating him will put me in a better position and nearer to a world title shot.

“He’s ranked across a couple of the governing bodies and it’s my goal to become a world champion. Beating John will open more doors, especially with the (Super Series) tournament finishing soon. It should free up some of the fighters. This fight has come at the perfect time."

Southpaw Cox, whose professional record stands at 24-1, also revealed the latest addition to his team, Deacons Jewellers.

The Swindon business, based on Wood Street, have linked up with Cox in conjunction with their 170th anniversary.

After first stepping foot in Richard Deacon’s shop as a teenager, Cox is delighted to have their support behind him.

“It’s brilliant. I met Mr Deacon all those years ago and a good friend of mine, Chris Riley, sponsored me and cleans the windows for Mr Deacon,” said Cox.

“When I was young, I liked Rolex watches, so I would come in here and started buying a couple, then my friends and everyone started coming here.

“It’s great to have a personal touch. Mr Deacon looked after me and it is great to have a local business on board.”

Deacon, who is one of six generations at the business, said he is thrilled to team up with the Swindon boxer.

He said: “It seemed a great opportunity for us both, really. We are highly delighted to support Jamie moving forward.

“As a business, we are celebrating 170 years, so when Jamie hopefully reaches a zenith point in his career, obviously we are reaching a zenith point because we are 170 years old.”