Kilburn boxer Alan Higgins is glad 2014 is in the past as he focuses on making his return to the ring, writes Rob Brennan.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Kian Thomas after his national novices title victory in December 2013Kian Thomas after his national novices title victory in December 2013 (Image: Dieter Perry)

Higgins has been out of action since last February, when he recorded a points win against Jason Ball, which propelled him up the British rankings.

Higgins said: “It has been so frustrating. I’ve had no luck with injuries the last few years.

“I’d been struggling with my back in the build-up to the Ball fight. In November 2013 I’d been sparring with the former world champion Darren Barker and I was struggling to put my socks on.

“I saw a specialist after the fight who told me I’d slipped a disc. I’ve had eight cortisone injections and now I’m back in the gym.

“I also broke my right hand last year, which was another setback, but that’s healed up now.”

A former ABA finalist, Higgins is back training at St Pancras ABC under the guidance of CJ Hussein – and he wants to get busy.

“My last fight at York Hall was a 10-rounder,” he said. “I’ve never wanted to just fight journeymen. I can’t see the point in that. My trainer will want to get me a 10- rounder as soon as possible.”

Higgins has been sparring with Kian Thomas who has recently turned professional and says he is learning a lot from watching the Kilburn man in the gym.

Thomas said: “As an amateur, if I didn’t turn up or do certain things it didn’t matter so much.

“Now it can mean you get badly hurt. There are a lot of strong people around who want to hurt you.

“That’s very different from the point-scoring system in the amateurs and you’ve got to make sure you’re not taking chances. I’ve seen that from watching people like Alan Higgins and the way he trains.

“It’s not so much the time he puts in but the things he works on. What I’ve realised is that whereas before, boxing was my hobby, now it’s my job – and I’m in it to win it.”