BLACKROD boxer Rick Godding is set to end a two-year injury nightmare when he returns to the ring on Saturday.

Godding, who has recently turned 30, has been sidelined for 22 months with a shoulder injury – curtailing his rise to the top of the professional ranks.

Still unbeaten with 19 wins from 20 bouts, Godding admits his lay-off has been hugely frustrating and revealed he has been forced to turn down both English and British title shots last year.

Now, though, he is ready to take his first steps back when he returns for a four-round fight at Preston's Guild Hall.

The light-middleweight told The Bolton News: "It has been such a slog getting back.

"Everything was going really well after big undercard dates in Germany and then on Amir Khan's bill in Sheffield in April 2013.

"But I knew something was wrong with my left shoulder and after scans knew it needed sorting.

"It was worse than feared and needed an operation to fix muscle tears due to wear.

"I didn't expect to be out for so long, though – I hoped to be back last summer.

"But it just wasn't right and needed time.

"I have just been ticking over and keeping in trim really waiting for another chance to get back – it set me back a lot.

"I have had to turn down national title chances but hopefully they will come again once I am back out there regularly.

"Saturday is a big night for me after so long out – it's what I have been aiming for for 18 months."

Godding was destined for big things before the injury after fighting in Germany on the undercard of Wladimir Klitschko’s victory over Mariusz Wach in November 2012 – keeping his unbeaten record despite a majority draw against Rafal Jackiewicz.

He was then on the big stage again at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena the following April, this time on the Amir Khan undercard when he beat Bradley Pryce on points after six rounds.

During his lay-off, he has opened a new gym in his home town – Tricky's – along with coach Stu Greaves as a base for Blackrod Amateur Boxing Club.

That has also seen him run coaching sessions as well as boot camps.

But his dream has always been to return to the professional circuit.

He admits, however, the injury has meant he has to adapt his style.

Godding added: "This will be a test for me on Saturday, being the first fight back.

"It is also a test of my style which I have had to adapt because of my shoulder.

"My main strength was my left-hand jab.

"I'm confident that I'm going to win on Saturday and feel strong again.

"I never thought about giving up – just working hard to get back and now I have a chance to kick-start my career."