GWENT boxer Robbie Turley is targeting the British title after finally winning the biggest fight of his life.
The 26-year-old from Cefn Fforest has been unable to fight since March 2012 after the British Boxing Board of Control in Cardiff withdrew his licence because of concerns over a routine brain scan.
A microscopic amount of blood on a pineal cyst in Turley’s brain caused the Board to take action but neurosurgeons insisted there was no risk to his health.
Turley’s dad Chris estimates that he has spent £6,000 in fighting his son’s case and the Board have finally given the former Celtic super-bantamweight champion the green light to fight on.
Turley, who also celebrated the birth of his daughter Alexis-Brooke last week, is relishing his return to the ring in Cardiff on December 13.
“I’m very happy and with the birth of my daughter two days before this week couldn’t have gone any better,” he said.
“I’m going to have to go and buy the winning lottery ticket now as well!
“I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights over the last 18 months and there’ll be more to come with my little girl as well but I’m just delighted.
“I’ll probably be more nervous than ever before on December 13 but I can’t wait to get in that ring.”
Turley’s career was on the rise before that fateful brain scan 20 months ago and he’s keen to make up for lost time.
“I promised myself from when I was a kid that I’d win the British title and that’s what I want to do,” he said.
“I was gutted when I thought that dream was over but I’m definitely going to become British champion.”
Turley paid tribute to his dad for helping him through the toughest few years of his life.
“I’ve been in a depression for the whole time,” he said. “I was in a deep hole. I thought I’d never box again.
“If it weren’t for my father I’d have given up and I can’t thank him enough. He’s been brilliant.
“I wouldn’t have fought this if I thought my health was at risk,” he added.
“The experts told us there was no danger from me boxing but the Board just wouldn’t accept it until we talked about taking them to court.
“I’m just delighted it’s all over with. I’ve been caring for my mother for the past 20 months and I’m glad I can earn some money and achieve my goals now.”
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