PONTYPOOL’S Tony Doherty has vowed to make the Calzaghes proud of him as he gets ready to re-launch his boxing career.

The 26-year old welterweight returns to the ring for the first time in just over 20 months on November 20, headlining the Calzaghe Promotions show at the Newport Centre alongside stablemate Bradley Pryce, who meets Latvian Sergejs Savrinovics.

Like many in the Team Calzaghe stable, Doherty was released by promoter Frank Warren in 2008 and has seen his career nosedive ever since, a period of inactivity leading to his weight ballooning, as well as suffering a broken hand.

However, the tide finally appears to be turning for the Team Calzaghe stable in Newbridge, Calzaghe Promotions now reaching new heights with football agent Paul Stretford partnering Joe as they look to take on all-comers in the promoting world.

And despite having multiple offers on the table, Doherty has signed with Calzaghe Promotions, insisting he owes it to Joe and trainer Enzo Calzaghe to finally fulfil his potential.

A genuinely exciting fighter with almost unlimited potential, Doherty has lost just once in 21 contests and expects to be fighting for British and European honours next year after returning next month against an as yet unnamed opponent.

He explained: "It’s been a very long road back and I got very heavy, there is no doubt about that.

"A lot of people said to me (yourself included) that they were worried I would never box again and that it would be a huge waste because of my talent.

"But I knew I would be back, I’ve been training non-stop for eight months, with every setback I’ve just trained harder.

"This is my dream, I want to reach the top, to be a world champion and for the whole of Wales to get behind me, everyone says they don’t want to be compared to Joe Calzaghe but I do, I want to follow in his footsteps.

"I genuinely believe I can do that, I believe technically I am as good as anyone in the world, I have confidence in my ability and I know Joe and Enzo believe I can get that far.

"I want to repay the loyalty they have shown me."

Doherty never thought about leaving the Calzaghe stable, even when the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Enzo Maccarinelli, Jamie Todd and Kerry Hope were checking out of the famous Newbridge Boxing Club.

"I had five different offers on the table when I left Frank Warren, but I was always going to stay with Enzo, he promised me things were going to improve and they absolutely have, the gym is buzzing again," he said.

"When you look at Calzaghe Promotions now, Joe and Enzo, Paul Stretford and Gary Lockett, that’s a team anyone would dream of having behind them.

"I have a great following myself and when you put that together, it’s exciting. I want to be the main man for Calzaghe Promotions, that’s my dream, you’ll be seeing a lot of me in 2010, the sky is the limit."

l Tickets for the Calzaghe Promotions show can be purchased from Sergio Calzaghe on 07972050238 or the Newport Centre box office. From October 28, you can buy tickets online at www.joecalzaghe.com l Joe will be signing copies of his new DVD, ‘Undefeated’ tomorrow at HMV in Cardiff from 5pm.