Steve going back in the ring aged 58!

Steve, nicknamed ‘The Legend’, boxes a bout billed as a title eliminator against the experienced Adi Shirley and is in line to face the winner of the top of the bill title fight between Body and Soul’s Josh Boucher and champion Darren Snow.

Steve enjoyed a life-long boxing career competing as an amateur and professional then returned from a 23-year retirement to become EBF Midlands Area champion. He then retired- and it’s almost three years since he last fought.

Steve explained: “I was judging an exhibition fight on a Body and Soul show and I’m not going to mention names but a champion was boxing two novices who hadn’t been in the ring before.

“All he had to do was move round and let the other lads gain a bit of confidence but instead he knocked one lad down and knocked the other one around.

“That’s when I decided to come out of retirement- I see him as a bully and want to fight him.

“I was happy watching the sport and training but I feel in tremendous shape and can’t wait to fight. I think age is just in the mind and I’m more than ready.”

Sponsored by John Atherton at Rainworth Skoda, Steve has been ringside for recent Body and Soul events and said he’s impressed with how well organised and safety conscious they are.

He added: “All the boxers undergo stringent medical checks, even on the day.

“I’ve sold a lot of tickets for this and planned my own entrance to the ring, it’s going to be phenomenal! The Legend is back.”

Should Steve win he will fight for a title at the same venue on 8th November, where ex-super middleweight world champion Robin Reid will be guest of honour.

Standard tickets for the show are £25 each and available from the Body and Soul gym. There’s no tickets available on the night. Businesses interested in sponsoring future events can contact Roger at [email protected].