BLACKROD boxer Rick Godding returns to the ring tonight looking to continue his comeback from a two-year injury lay-off.

The 30-year-old light-middleweight is in action on the VIP Promotions bill at Preston's Guild Hall, looking to extend his unbeaten run to 21 victories from 22 professional bouts.

It will be Godding's second outing of 2015 after a successful return from a shoulder injury in February when he beat Robert Studzinski on points at the same venue.

He hopes it will be another step in his comeback as he looks to get back on track towards a British title fight.

And he says the dream of lifting the Lonsdale Belt is what kept his spirits up during his nightmare absence from the ring.

“It’s been really hard having those years out, not just physically but mentally too.

"You say to yourself ‘what are you going to do now’ but you just have to keep positive and look to the future.

"I’ve dreamed about winning that British title, it’s the one that I want, and it’s that that’s kept me motivated.

“I’ve felt like the forgotten man of boxing in a way. Before I had my injury I was up there boxing on the big Klitschko bill in Germany and an Amir Khan card on TV, and things were really picking up.

"I just need to work myself back up there now.”

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.

A shot at title honours is long overdue for Godding.

And with current domestic main-man Liam Smith, who trains at Gloves Communiyt Centre in Bolton, likely to vacate soon, and with Nav Mansouri defending his English belt against Sam Sheedy on July 4, Godding is eyeing future foes.

“The only one in the current division that seems dangerous is Liam Williams, he’s the Commonwealth champ and picking up a good record. He’s strong and comes forward but my style would be ideal for taking him on.

“Hopefully I’ll get the winner between Mansouri and Sheedy.

"I think it’ll be a close fight but I’d have no problems taking either of them on.

"If the British title comes up first then all well and good, but the English belt is a great stepping stone.”

BLOB Tickets for tonight's bill are priced at £30 (general), £70 (ringside table, including food) and are available from all boxers, or at vipboxing.tv and Eventim.co.uk

The show will also be streamed live and free at vipboxing.tv