Hackney light-middleweight Wayne Alwan-Arab has paid tribute to the world champion who convinced him not to call time on his boxing career ahead of his return to the ring later this month.

Alwan-Arab will be prepared for whoever he faces in King’s Cross on Friday May 30 as he looks to maintain his unblemished record of 16 wins from as many fights that he abandoned in March last year.

The orthodox fighter made heavy work of a points victory against Ambrosi Sutidize over a year ago after being knocked down in the third round, and decided to quit having retained his International Masters light-middleweight title.

But the Zimbabwe-born former champion, who lives in Hackney, was influenced by training partners in America to continue with the gloves, and is ready for whoever he meets at the Camden Centre.

“I’ve had a lot of motivation from people I trained with in the States,” said Alwan-Arab, who trained at the Wild Card and Mayweather gyms. “People like [WBO middleweight champion] Peter Quillin message me and still call me a fighter even though I haven’t boxed for a year.

“They’ve been asking what I’m up to and when I’m boxing again. They’ve kept me interested in boxing and I believe I’m good enough to achieve something.”

The 32-year-old, who had chosen to pursue a career in personal training while studying psychology soon after the Sutidize victory, admits he was under-prepared for his last fight, having lost weight too quickly.

But Alwan-Arab is now targeting another belt, with one of the international WBO titles in his sights.

“I’m looking to shed some ring rust in my next fight and then I’m aiming for the stars,” said Alwan-Arab, whose Zimbabwean roots have not been lost on his manager Mickey Helliet.

“Mickey’s been told [by the WBO] that if I keep winning, there’s every chance I could box for the Africa title. Winning that belt can help me get a world ranking and attract some sponsors. They are the sort of fights that will get me where I want to be.”

For his ambitions to be realised, Alwan-Arab knows he needs all the support his borough can muster for his homecoming.

“It’s very hard when you’re training for a 10-round fight and also trying to sell tickets and get sponsors as well,” he said.

Secure your seat and cheer Alwan-Arab to victory by calling 07931594010.