Boxer, James Cooper, is set to make his professional return to the ring after a three-year absence.

The 30-year-old from Totton first had his career put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 after scheduled bouts in Ireland, and then Canada fell through due to travel restrictions.

After multiple Covid related postponements the super lightweight boxer then failed a routine brain scan in April 2022 on the week of his scheduled return.

James told The Daily Echo: “You’ve got to have a brain scan every year and the specialists noticed a change from the year before.

“I was told it’s not sports related.

“I was suffering from headaches and people who have frequent migraines can see a change on the scan.

“That put me back another year.

“It’s been a long road back where I’ve questioned if it’s even worth it.

“So, I’m a little bit nervous but I won’t let it affect me on fight night.”

James will make his return to the ring on Saturday, March 25 at South Parade Pier, Southsea with his opponent yet to be announced.

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