By Phil D. Jay
Swansea’s Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli (32-5, 25 KO’s) is eagerly awaiting the all clear from promoter Frank Warren to return to the boxing ring this summer after a self-imposed exile from the sport and prominent return at the light-heavyweight limit.
The 30 year-old has been out of the ring since an horrific knockout defeat at the hands of Alexander Frenkel in September, the fifth of his career and now plans to shed the weight for his 175lb return. Maccarinelli is back enjoying training again and will step up preparations when Frank gives him the nod.
"My jaw is healed, I'm expecting to get the all clear from the doctor and then I'm hopefully looking at a July date," Maccarinelli told Thisissouthwales.co.uk
"I've spoken to Frank (Warren) and he wants to see how I go at the weight, and July is a big possibility.
"But I've no problem with the weight. I'm walking around now at 13 stone — the light-heavyweight limit is 12st 7lb — so that shows I'll easily make it.
"Being back with Enzo has done me the world of good. I know that when I walk through that gym door that I'm getting two hours of hell.
"If he says jump, I say 'how high'? That's the respect that he commands.
"And that's what I need right now. The gym work has been very good, and my diet has been good too.
"The hunger is there and I'm just enjoying every second of it."
Maccarinelli has been linked with numerous opponents since he announced his intention to comeback at 175lbs. The British light-heavyweight scene is awash with talent at the moment, with the likes of Tony Bellew, Danny McIntosh, Ovill McKenzie, Tony Jeffries, Prizefighter champion Travis Dickinson and of course, fellow Welshman Nathan Cleverly, who challenges Juergen Braehmer for the WBO title on May 21st.
"I've heard plenty of rumours flying about regarding my opponent," he added. "But I've not heard anything concrete.
"To be honest, I'm just concentrating on myself.
"I'm in the gym with Enzo working on my style and getting the best out of me.
"Enzo has really opened my eyes. I got caught up too much in the hype about my power before. I was going into fights thinking I'll just blow this guy away and win.
"People say I boxed well against Frenkel. They're wrong — I fought well. There's a difference.
"Enzo has got me working my jab, which is so dangerous and effective.
"I feel good, although he's got me training at 100mph, but it will all be worth it,” he added.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net