Six feet eight inches Sheffield heavyweight back in big time - on Fury v Klitschko bill

Howe, from the Chancet Wood area of Sheffield, is relaunching his career as a prizefighter who will fight away from home - avoiding the need to sell tickets. And the 35-year-old’s comeback will be a test of character against Cheshire’s unbeaten Nathan Gorman on July 9.

Howe last boxed at Ponds Forge in May 2014, damaging his hand in a KO win over Ladislav Kovarik. He says: “My circumstances were different then, five potential fights had fallen through, I was getting married, and as a full-time athlete, if you don’t fight you don’t get paid. The Ingles weren’t putting any shows on and my hopes of being on the undercards of Kell Brook and Kid Galahad ended when their shows didn’t happen. Richard Towers (heavyweight) left the gym and Kash Ali, bless him, was a young lad and a bit hit-and-miss to spar with, so while I never intended to retire I had to concentrate on working, first as a steel erector and now in production for Kitlocker.com in Sheffield.

“But I missed the routine of training day in, and day out and preparing for fights. Ryan Rhodes’ gym is on my route and he can get me fights, which is great. I have kept myself in shape and don’t have to worry about selling tickets. Being an away fighter suits me and being on the Fury undercard is a great platform to re-launch my career. If I am underdog then brilliant, even less pressure!”

Six feet eight inches tall Howe (W11 L2) respects Ricky Hatton prospect Gorman and knows his opponent is a full-time boxer who will be training more than he is able.

“He is starting the journey like I did” said Howe. “Hopefully he will get backing and sponsorship, because you need it, it is a fickle business.”

Howe added: “For me, I just have to train as best I can around work.

“But I am enjoying it and the heavyweight division is wide open, so if I go on to get regular fights, pick up a few wins, I’ll address what to do at that time. I will be giving this my best shot.”