John Joe returns to the ring
OLYMPIC silver medallist John Joe Nevin has confirmed he will make his return to the ring for his first fight in over a year. Nevin has not competed since a points victory over American journeyman Jesus Lule in Philadelphia in August, 2016. The 28-year-old will make a low-key return on Friday, September 29, on a small-hall show in Tolworth, south-west London, with an opponent yet to be confirmed for his six-round lightweight bout. “Once I get this fight under my belt, I’ll look at getting a few more soon,” said Nevin, who was forced to pull out of a planned bout in March due to a rib injury. The unbeaten (8-0) fighter has been training under his old amateur coach Brian Mckeown and plans to link up with veteran London trainer Jim Mcdonnell in the English capital to finalise preparations for his comeback. “I’m flying,” said Nevin, who plans to campaign as a featherweight in the long term. “I’ve only done six-rounders so far, but after this fight I want to move up a level. I want to move quick now. I’m 28 years of age and I know I have the ability to be a world champion. “If I get a bit of momentum going, it could turn into anything. I can turn anyone over on my day, so once I get a bit of momentum going and get working on 12 rounds I can be in with the best of them,” added the decorated Westmeath man, who was the first Irish male amateur to claim a hat-trick of major medals at Olympic, World and European championships.