Kays wants to come back with a bang

Photo: Darren Robinson

Boxer Jon Kays returns to the ring this Saturday

JON Kays wants to turn on the style as he makes his eagerly-awaited return to the ring on Saturday at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan.

It's been a long road back for Kays, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Tuesday.

His stunning knock-out defeat to Manchester rival Adrian Gonzalez last October at the Manchester Arena left him considering his future in the sport.

However, re-energised and re-focused along with trainer Darren McCarrick, '2-Smokes' is back firing on all cylinders again and is confident of beating journeyman Ibrar Riyaz in what is scheduled to be a six-round contest.

Performer

Kays said: "I'm happy and ready to return to the ring and enjoy it this weekend.

"I've definitely got the hunger again now. I've had a fantastic training camp and to be honest, I feel better now than I have done in quite a few years.

"I want to get back in there and win, but I also want to win with a bit of style. I want to put in a good performance, and I'm confident I will do.

"I've still got a lot to offer boxing and that's why I'll be back in action."

Kays, who hopes to extend his professional record to 22 wins from 28 fights, should have been fighting on the Oldham Sports Centre show last weekend, before that was pulled at short notice.

The town favourite said: "I was gutted when I heard, but I did have an inkling that something may happen as ticket sales weren't going very well because of lads picking up injuries and withdrawing.

"I love fighting in Oldham, but by the same reckoning Wigan is a top venue too.

"I made my pro debut there and I won the English title there.

"It'll be a step back fighting Riyaz, but I'll still need to be 100-per-cent on my game because he could catch me with one.

"I need to fight, though, and I can't wait to get in there now."

Tickets for the Wigan night of boxing are still available.

Log on to: www.vipbox ing.tv for details.