CARL THOMPSON, the former WBO cruiserweight world champion, revealed this week that he is out to regain his title.
The Bolton-based fighter insisted: "This is not a comeback - because I never retired.
"I will just wait until next year, when I have got back into a bit of rhythm."
Thompson was involed in two epic battles with Chris Eubank during his reign before losing his belt to Johnny Nelson in 1999 after a controversial fifth-round stoppage.
Calls for a rematch raged, but when Thompson lost his IBO cruiserweight to American Ezra Sellars after a fourth-round knock-out in Manchester last November, Nelson urged his rival to quit.
Nelson said: "The last person that knows it's time to quit is always the fighter himself and nobody wants to retire a fighter, but his people want to be seriously thinking about this guy's career."
Thompson's desire to return to the ring also caused concern among close friends.
One said: "Carl has had some great fights and fought bravely in all of them, maybe he's been a little too brave to continue in the ring."
Thompson revealed his decision at rekindling his stalled career at the Real Deal Gym, in Wigan, where he is coaching youngsters - over-awed at being given personal tuition by such an accomplished champion.
Thompson said: "If I can put something back, help these youngster learn and develop then I will be happy.'
The one-hour sessions take place each Monday at 6.30pm. For further details, call 01942 826644.
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