Former lightweight champion Tommy Coyle will return to his ring to help raise money for charity.
Coyle, from Hull, has hung up his gloves for more than five years, but has put on the box again against former opponent Derry Mathews to benefit boxing clubs in the city and Liverpool.
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The 37-year-old said: “It’s an incredible response. I’m humbled and excited, but I’m also a little nervous.”
The fight is set for December 11 at a venue yet to be confirmed in Hull.
Coyle pictured with her late father Chris Coyle [Tommy Coyle]
Coyle and Mathews first fought for the state title at Craven Park, Hull, in 2013. Mathews won in the tenth round.
Coyle said: “Who knows what’s going to happen? I drove around 10, just to see if I can turn back the clock.
“We’re two old pros friends and we’re going to go at it and try to make some memories.”
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While discussing his return, Coyle also reflected on the loss of his father Chris who died in 2022. It had been a “huge part” of his life.
“My dad doesn’t seem like the first fight,” Coyle said.
“It’s sad, but I can’t do things because it’s no longer there. He’s not coming back, and I had to learn to meet him.
“I didn’t really compete with him around, he was my friend.
“The next 12 weeks will give me something to focus on, something to communicate, and something to occupy my mind. If I say I’m going to do something, I always do it.”
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Coyle added: “The spiders are going to be the winners in this fight and we’re getting the money for the clubs.”
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