BLACKROD boxer Rick Godding returned to the ring after a near two-year lay-off with victory over Poland's Robert Studzinski recently and is now determined to get his bid for a British title back on track.

Godding was on course for the top before a shoulder injury curtailed his progress in 2013.

But after a long road back he won every one of four rounds against Wales-based Studzinski at Preston's Guild Hall.

And now the 30-year-old middleweight is hoping to kick on after his troublesome left shoulder passed the test.

Godding told The Bolton News: "It was so good to be back in there fighting again.

"I was cautious in the first two rounds – maybe because of my shoulder and being out for so long.

"I only went forward once or twice in each round.

"But after overcoming that mental hurdle, I felt all right in the third and fourth rounds.

"I won every round in what was a pretty straightforward fight for me.

"I eased back in and won every round.

"But to get that under my belt is a massive confidence booster.

"My shoulder was fine. It did ache for a couple of days afterwards but the physio told me to expect that after so long out.

"It is fine now and it means I can now push on and get out there regularly again."

Godding, who now trains in Preston with Karl Ince, is aiming to be back in action in May at the Guild Hall again, though could be out sooner.

And he will also be a keen onlooker when British super middleweight champion Liam Smith, who is part of Joe Gallagher's camp that trains at Gloves Community Centre in Bolton, takes on Commonwealth champion Liam Williams next month – hoping that he can possibly face the winner later this year.

Godding added: "Now I'm back, it is about getting back ion track for national titles.

"Liam Smith and Liam Watson are both champions so the winner of that fight would be a good one for me.

"For now, the plan is to get out there again quickly.

"There is another bill in Preston in May and the Guild Hall is a good venue so I want to be in the ring that night – particularly as I train near there now."