Aitcheson returns

BOXER Tony Aitcheson has promised to make an explosive return to the ring when he makes his second professional appearance in February.

The 23-year-old from Dewsbury Moor is on the verge of getting his licence back from the British Boxing Board of Control after he was cleared of causing grievous bodily harm at a recent trial.

Aitcheson boasted an impressive unbeaten amateur record, when fighting out of the Cleckheaton Boxing Academy, during which time he captured the senior novice ABA title and built a reputation for being a big puncher.

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Having switched to the professional ranks, Aitcheson recorded victory in his solitary pro fight to date, defeating Birmingham’s Karl Taylor in Bolton way back in May 2009.

Aitcheson was being tipped as the next big thing for Dewsbury boxing, but he was jailed for affray following a night out in Batley later in 2009.

On his release from prison, Aitcheson strove to get his boxing licence back, although those plans were put on hold when he faced a second trial last month but having been found not guilty, he has put that firmly behind him as he looks to resurrect his career in the ring.

Aitcheson, who is nicknamed TNT, is now looking to make up for lost time when he returns to the ring — probably on a show in Leeds in February.

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Aitcheson has returned to the Central Boxing Club in Batley, under the guidance of trainer Julian McGowan, and he has been training alongside former British super featherweight champion Gary Sykes and current English featherweight champion Josh Warrington.

Aitcheson is relishing the prospect of getting back into the ring and said: “I need to make an impression. I am playing catch-up on kids who have got three years on me but I am looking to bring titles to the Central Club and to Dewsbury.

“I was there the night Gary beat Anthony Crolla (British title eliminator) and when he defended the title against Carl Johanneson and those were fantastic nights.

“It is nights like those that make you want to win titles yourself and 2013 is going to be a big year for us all.

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“We have a good environment at Central and when the novice lads come down and train with us, its really enjoyable.

“I’m working hard on my strength and conditioning and although I’ll be coming back at welterweight, the idea is to move down to light welter.

“Steve Wood (manager) has said he wants to move me on quickly and I’m happy with that, as I know I’m capable of moving fast.

“The British Boxing Board asked to see paperwork from the courts, stating the outcome of the trial, but once they have seen that and I pass my medical I will be back.

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“I’ll be in the gym over Christmas, which certainly means I won’t be having a drink, and then we’ll be going hard at it in January ready for the return.”

Although an exact date and opponent for Aitcheson’s come back has to be finalised, it could prove to be an explosive night of action in Leeds and a memorable occasion for McGowan, fellow trainer John Tallant and the Central Club as they could have three pros on the bill.

Warrington looks set to defend his English title on the bill, which is also likely to see Dewsbury star Sykes fight for the English super featherweight crown.