HUDDERSFIELD duo James Hare and Shaun Armstrong are back in training with April outings in their sights.
Hare has taken time out since losing his World Boxing Foundation welterweight title to wily Mexican Cosme Rivera.
The 27-year-old Berry Brow star was well below par and looked jaded as he suffered the first loss of a 30-bout, eight-year career.
The December defeat, 2min 30sec into the 10th round, was especially painful as it came in front of his hometown fans at the Sports Centre.
Now, as stablemates Mark Hobson and Dale Robinson put the finishing touches to their preparations for the next big Sky-televised Sports Centre show on Saturday week, Hare is stepping things up at the Northern Fitness gym in Linthwaite.
He could return to the ring in an eight rounder on the big Michael Brodie versus Injin Chi card at the Manchester Evening News Arena on Saturday, April 10.
Alternatively, a slot on the Belfast King's Hall show to be headlined by Ulster's IBO super-middleweight champion Brian Magee, provisionally seven days later, could appeal.
Whatever the place and time, trainer Chris Aston believes Hare, whose defeat by Rivera cost him a possible shot for a major title in America, is as hungry as ever for success.
"James kept things in perspective when he won, and he's done the same thing in defeat," said Aston.
"Yes, it was bitterly disappointing, and nobody felt as hurt as James, but it's one defeat in 30, and that tells you something about his ability.
"He's had time to have a think, recharge the batteries, and refocus, and he's looking lean and eager to get things back on track."
Armstrong, fresh from becoming a father to Oliver, is to put his Central area light-middleweight title on the line against Sheffield's Dean Walker.
The 31-year-old won the belt with a points win over Leeds' Gavin Wake at the Sports Centre a year ago.
But injuries, most recently a broken thumb, have restricted him to just one outing since, a points defeat by former British welterweight champion Harry Dhami in Glasgow in November.
Armstrong, a professional since 1996, has 22 wins (three knockouts) and two draws in 33 outings.
He previously held the Central super-featherweight title.
Walker, 24, has nine wins and a draw in 12 bouts.
His manager Dennis Hobson is in negotiations with Aston over a date and venue for the title fight.
Tickets remain on sale for the Sports Centre show, when Robinson faces Nottingham's Jason Booth for the IBO super-flyweight crown and Hobson defends his British and Commonwealth crowns against Liverpool's Tony Moran.
For ticket details, ring Aston on 01484-329616, Hobson on 07816-413743, Robinson on 07717-133632 or James Hare on 07751-158275.
