BOXER Ollie Pinnock insists he is in top shape ahead of his return to the ring next month.

Pinnock will be taking on Devon’s Jack Green at Bethnal Green’s York Hall in his first fight since last June.

And the Leigh based 34-year-old had been delighted by his preparations. “ Training has been going fantastically for the past eight weeks,” said Pinnock.

“I’ve had some great sparring sessions at Club KO in Buckhurst Hill where there are around seven professionals in the stable under the guidance of coaches Kevin Campion and Terry Steward.

“They put us through rigorous training sessions, sparring sessions and track running three times per week so I’m feeling fantastic and can’t wait for the fight now.”

Pinnock also spends time training at the Evolution Gym in Leigh and is relishing a return to action after nine months away from the ring.

“My last fight was in June last year so I can’t wait to have another one now,” said Pinnock.

“After that fight I got married to my childhood sweetheart of 20 years Victoria and took a few months off to enjoy with the family.

“But I began training for a fight in November last year before I picked up a slight injury running and decided to put the fight off for a few months.”

However, Pinnock now feels ready to take on Green on Friday March 5.

Also on the bill is a southern area lightweight title fight between Ben Day and Floyd Moore and an English title eliminator between Matt Mccarthy and Sonny Upton.

And Pinnock hopes his fight will be the start of a busy period for him. “Moving on from this fight I will be boxing again in April or May,” he said.

“I am hoping to be very active this year and move towards a southern area title shot myself by December.

“But all I’m thinking about at the moment is the fight I have coming up.”

>Pinnock was also keen to thank his sponsors Crowstone Shipbrokers, JBA advisory and Vividtone print solutions.