After nearly five long years away from the ring, Alex Florence will make his return on BCB’s ‘February Firepower’ at The H Suite in Birmingham on February 16th.
The twenty-seven-year-old from Malvern had built up an impressive, unbeaten six-fight record and was building towards an area title shot before his career came to an abrupt halt.
His sixth bout was a routine points win over the experienced Qasim Hussain at The Venue in Dudley, but referee Kevin Parker’s 40-36 score card didn’t reflect the serious hand injury that he had sustained during the fight.
A lengthy period on the sidelines would be required, which, after a fourteen-month gap from his previous fight against Michael Mooney, was the last thing he would have wanted. ‘Pinky’ continued to train and keep fit, but the recovery wasn’t going as well as he hoped.
“I kept thinking my hand felt fine, said Florence. “We would be working in the gym, but when I was hitting the bag, it would hurt, and I was getting frustrated. In those twelve to eighteen months, I fell out of love with it all, and my life was changing. I had a family and moved house, which are big things, but I knew there was a void in my life that would only be filled with boxing.”
Plenty has changed at the BCB Gym in the last four years, but Florence was made to feel very welcome on his return, even if the brutal track sessions hadn’t been missed.
“It was great to be back and see people, old faces and new ones, and I was welcomed with open arms, which meant a lot. The lads are great; there is a competitive feeling about the place, but we all push each other.
“To get out again and experience it all again, nothing feels like it, and my family and friends have been very supportive. My Mum made plenty of digs about my weight the last few years, and to be fair, I had put on a bit, but I will be back down to super lightweight on the 16th.
“I have had to shift three and a half stone, but running aside, I have always liked gym training, and after this one, I don’t see why I can’t get down to lightweight or super featherweight if the right fight comes.
“This fight will be over four rounds, and then I want a couple of sixes or an eight. I am twenty-seven now, so I don’t want to mess about; I want to see where I am and pick up where I left off.”
Tickets are available now priced £40 standard and £75 VIP from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
