Frank Maloney Boxing: The Return Of Carl Johanneson

Carl Johanneson ends a ring exile of almost two years when he returns at Nottingham's Harvey Hadden Centre this Friday night.

The Leeds puncher (27-4) faces Youssef Al Hamidi in his first contest since losing the British super-featherweight title against Kevin Mitchell on March 2008.

Johanneson, 31, was stopped in nine rounds, but the scrap was a sensational slugfest. And Carl who has 19 inside the distance win has targeted regaining his old title and then stepping up to lightweight and facing Mitchell in a return.

Promoter Frank Maloney said: "Carl hopes to become the mandatory contender to the winner of the Gary Sykes v Ricky Burns vacant British super-featherweight title fight.

"There is some confusion of that bout because it is reported that Burns has a world title fight, but Carl is willing to step in. Carl has had a lay-off, but has already beaten Burns comfortably and I hope the British Boxing Board of Control will take that into account.

"I'm really excited about Carl's return because he thrills in the ring and is a fighter I am close to from my days training him. He has never been in a bad fight and although he looks good in training we will see if the old spark in there on Friday. I would love to see him win the British title have a defence and then get another fight with Kevin."

Sykes (13-0) has his British title warm-up on the card which is televised live on Sky Sports when he boxes Dean Mills (3-2-2).

At the top of the bill, local hero Jason Booth (34-5) bids to win a Lonsdale belt outright when he defends his British super-bantamweight title against Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-1).

Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has pulled out his six rounder against Welshman Nathan King because of a shoulder injury.

Tickets for the star studded Nottingham show priced £35 and £85 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.