Joe Hillerby first stop on the road to Irish title claims returning Waldron

DON’T call it a comeback. On August 8 in Belfast John Waldron returns to the ring for the first time since 2013, but ‘The Warrior’ is adamant he never retired.

The former Irish light-heavy weight champion of Ireland claims the gloves were never hung up, rather he just struggled to get bouts. He has a date now and in Joe Hillerby an opponent and is ready to get active and despite pushing 40 still harbours domestic glory hopes.

“I love boxing and I never retired,” Waldron told Irish-boxing.com. “I just found it hard to get fighting opportunities because I have no promoter.

“I’m going to give it a good shot and hopefully I get a few wins and pick up Irish title along way. I know I’m 40 but I never drank or abused my body so I am still in good condition and I love the sport.”

The Mayo man won the Irish strap with victory over Jamie Power in Limerick back in 2010, but hasn’t tasted victory since. Indeed, he goes into the clash with Belfast’s Hillerby on the back of nine straight defeats.

However, the big Westerner suggests he has slipped into journey man mode and is confident with a 10 week camp ahead of his return he can claim victory against a fighter, who once fought for the Irish light middleweight title.

“Yes I have  lost my last few, but to be honest I didn’t really put in the work for those fights. I’m the away fighter going into this fight I know that,  but I am going to put in the work and get a ready as I can. I have 10 weeks to train and I’ve no doubt if I put work in I can beat Joe. My record doesn’t suggest I’m big puncher but if I catch someone clean they’ll know about it.

“Joe might not be a natural light heavyweight, but I am expecting a tough fight. There is no pressure on me and when I’m on form fit and confident I can give anyone a good run for it. I am going to get ready and get the win in Joe’s backyard.”