Edinburgh's John Thain relaunches his boxing career in Belfast tonight

32-year-old is thriving under new trainer

John Thain has relocated to south London

John Thain is ready to kick-start his boxing career after 18 months out of the ring, writes NEIL McGLADE.

The Edinburgh fighter, 32, who last fought in July 2018 when he lost to Larry Ekundayo in a IBF European welterweight duel, will return against undefeated Lewis Crocker at the Ulster Hall in Belfast tonight.

Thain, whose record stands at 17 wins and four defeats, has made some changes and relocated to Sutton to work under new coach Wayne Dudley.

And he insists he is raring to go again while inflicting the first defeat on his opponent’s professional record.

“I am grateful to return to boxing and I’m excited to compete in Belfast for the first time,” Thain said. “I would also like to thank MTK for this opportunity. I am making a fresh start. I have enjoyed the process of learning the sport again under Wayne Dudley at his gym, Raptors Strike Force Martial Arts School in Sutton. Sometimes a change is necessary.

“Everyone has been so supportive, my family and friends have helped in such a big way. The last year hasn’t been perfect but I feel stronger for it.”