Rocco back to deliver success

6:20am Friday 14th March 2008

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BOLTON boxer Jonny Rocco makes his long-awaited return to the ring when he takes on Khurram Hussain tonight.

The 25-year-old light-welterweight is preparing for only his fourth contest in an injury-hit 18 months.

The Great Lever fighter's pro career been blighted by fitness problems and misfortune, with his comeback in November cancelled after his opponent pulled out.

But now the part-time postman is ready for action again and steps into the ring at Manchester's George Carnall Leisure Centre against the same Bradford opponent he defeated on points just over 12 months ago, and promising to deliver titles in 2008.

"I'm looking for a big, big year," said Rocco who has won nine out of his 10 bouts. "I'm just glad to be getting back in the ring after such a long lay-off.

"I want to put in a good display and then hopefully fight for an Area title in May time."

Rocco is on the undercard of David Barnes' clash with Ted Bami for the vacant British light-welterweight title, which is being shown live on Sky Sports.

And the former Tonge Moor amateur, son of famous wrestler Mark Rollerball' Rocco, has the added incentive of making his TV debut if he produces an eye-catching performance.

"Sky have said if it's a good fight then they will show, which would be great," added Rocco, who is based at Bob Shannon's gym in Openshaw, Manchester.

Bury's highly-rated Scott Quigg is also in action when he faces Romanian super-bantamweight champion Gheorghe Ghiompirica.

The 20-year-old, who is unbeaten in five fights, said: "I don't know anything about him, I only found out who I was fighting earlier this week. I will just go out there and box well."

For tickets, contact Jonny on 07935 172762.

Chris Blinkhorn, meanwhile, defeated Welsh 48kg champion Akeel Ghani with a stunning performance in Blackpool on Wednesday night.

The 16-year-old Withins Police Club fighter, representing East Lancashire, Cheshire, Carlisle and Isle of Man against North Wales, surged to a 22-12 victory in a polished three-round display.

Blinkhorn and stable-mates Danny Johnson, Elliott Higgins and Kingsley Cunningham head to Denmark at the weekend where they will compete in the Hvidovre Box Cup in Copenhagen.