After over a year away, High Peak boxer Jack Massey returned to the ring with a bang over the weekend, defeating Ivan Gabriel Garcia at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby.
The Chapel-en-le-Frith born fighter saw off his Argentine opponent via a fourth round TKO to pick up his 23rd professional career victory.
Massey suffered an early scare after a strong body shot from the South American led to a first round knockdown, but regained his composure to see off ‘El Pequeno Hulk’.
The win sees the 32-year-old get back on track after defeat to Jai Opetaia in last October’s meeting in Riyadh.
“Even though it was a bit of a shaky fight at times I’ve definitely blown the cobwebs out,” said Massey post-fight.
“I’m quite glad it was a tough fight, if we just got in there and knocked someone out first round, I wouldn’t really have got rid of that ring rust.”
Massey already has his sights set on his next challenge, with plans to fight Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith next summer.
“I want it, Ben Shalom wants it, it just depends on if he wants it,” revealed Massey.
“It’s a fight we’ve wanted for a long time, let’s see if he takes it.
“We’re happy to go to Bournemouth and fight him there, so we’ll see what happens.”
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