NEVIN PRAYING FOR INJURY-FREE RETURN

OLYMPIC silver medallist John Joe Nevin is lighting a few candles and keeping his fingers crossed that injury doesn’t wreck his comeback.

The former AIBA No 1-ranked bantam (above) is being lined up for his first fight in over a year at the Tolworth Centre in London on September 29 against an opponent to be confirmed.

The outing will be his first since beating Jesus Lule in Philadelphia in August, 2016.

The unbeaten 28-year-old from Mullingar racked up eight wins since winning on his pro debut on St Patrick’s Day in 2014 in Boston before a horrific assault near his home, which left him with two broken legs, halted his career the following month.

“I waiting on an opponent for London – hopefully, he will be confirmed soon. I’m very happy to be back, and, needless to say, I’m really looking forward to the fight,” he said.

“I had a big fight in March but suffered a rib injury which was really frustrating. I’ve had no luck with injuries. Hopefully, that will change.

“I’ll be looking to build up a bit of momentum in London, that’s for sure. I’ll be light a few candles, saying a few prayers and keeping my fingers crossed that I stay injury-free.

“I know I have the pedigree. Some of the guys I beat in the amateurs have won world titles.

“All I need is a bit of momentum and to stay injury-free and I’ll be right up there with the best of them.”