ALEX Strutt can’t wait for his return to the ring for only his third professional bout in more than 12 months.

The Ombersley boxer made his professional debut in September last year with a second-round stoppage of Lance Verallo.

But an elbow problem prevented the 26-year-old from fighting again until April when he secured a points victory over Ben Hudson.

Strutt, who is still deciding whether to campaign at middleweight or super-middleweight, was left bitterly frustrated in July when his opponent pulled out at the last minute, leaving him with an uninspiring exhibition bout.

But now the former Droitwich ABC fighter is raring to go again on November 14 at Birmingham’s Holiday Inn, with Welsh journeyman Mark Phillips in the frame as an opponent.

“It has been a frustrating time but I’ve got an extra- spring in my step now — just ask the lads I have been sparring with,” the Richie Woodhall-trained fighter said. “My last outing affected me a lot and I had to take some time out to think about a lot of things but I’m ready and raring to go.”

Should Strutt secure the bout with the Carmarthenshire boxer, he will go in against an experienced campaigner with the 33-year-old recording nine wins in 61 bouts.

But Phillips has gone the distance with the new Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly and is likely to give Strutt the ring time he needs, having only been stopped three times.

With only two professional bouts in more than a year, Strutt is hoping to be a lot more active after his next fight with possible dates in December and the new year being lined up should everything go to plan.

Tickets for the Warrior Promotions dinner show cost £60 and include a three-course meal, a comedian and six professional fights. They can be purchased on 07825-332326.