Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo will make his return to professional boxing on July 18 after a year out with injury.

The 26-year-old middleweight is (7-0-0-KO4) last fought almost exactly 12 months ago when he stopped Wayne Reed in five rounds at the Echo Arena in Liverpool - but he'll be back in action on the Arthur Abraham v Robert Stieglitz undercard in Germany.

Achilles injuries and resulting surgeries have plagued the last 12 months of Ogogo's promising career but, having made a full recovery, he is upbeat and enthusiastic over the prospect of an injury-free return to boxing in the spotlight.

He said: "It took four operations (two on each Achilles), I laid in my bed, totally immobile with the blackout curtains drawn 24/7. I couldn't tell if it was day or night, I didn't want to know. It was just gloominess, total gloominess. I didn't want to see a soul until the casts came off my feet and I was able to rehab.

"Finally, the casts and bandages were off and there was no stopping me. The surgeon told me that after the second operation I'd be out for a further 12 months and I've done it in six.

"And do you know what? If it was gun to head, I could have boxed two months ago. That's just testament to how hard I've worked, how hungry I am and how much I want to become a legend.

"I've learnt so much about myself in the past 12 months. Things that when I'm in the proverbial trenches, in the late rounds of a gruelling fight, I know I'm going to have what it takes to climb out and win the fight. I'm even looking forward to it. I can't wait.

"I sat in the changing room after stopping Wayne Reed on a summers night in Liverpool knowing that if I wanted to become a legend in this game then I'd need to get this problem fixed. I couldn't hide behind a stern face anymore, I could mask the pain with painkillers no longer."