Ready for return to the ring

With 50 wins in 64 fights spanning a glittering amateur career, many representing his country, some would say Claypole boxer Eddie O’Rourke was destined for the very top of British boxing.

But four years on, having taken a two-year break from the sport, O’Rourke is looking to get his career back on track with a return to the ring in July.

The former England amateur super-featherweight turned professional aged 18.

After four wins, including a points win over Steve Gethin on the undercard of the Carl Froch-Andre Dirrell bout in 2009 at Nottingham Arena, O’Rourke hung up his gloves after falling out of love with boxing.

“When I was younger people said I had what it takes to reach the top,” said O’Rourke.

“Having first started at the age of nine all I knew was boxing. Every experience in life, good and bad, was lived out through the sport.

“I had some family issues and lost the love for boxing that used to get me out of bed to run at 6am and make me punch the bag in the garden 1,000 times before I went to training.

“Time out of the game has made me realise how much I love it, and this time I mean business.”

O’Rourke, set to return at lightweight, is training at Brendan Ingles’ famous Sheffield boxing club twice a week.

He believes he has got the skills to make a real challenge at English, British and even world level.

“I have that hunger back,” said O’Rourke. “If a British title shot came up tomorrow I would take it because I am fit and ready to go.

“Realistically, a man with my record can get another nine wins and then be more than in the mix for a title shot. Ultimately that is what I have come back for, not the money but the titles.

“The last thing I want to do was been known as a contender who never lived up to his potential.”