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Chris’ ring return

2/10/2008

AN ex-IBO intercontinental champion is looking to resurrect his boxing career – and he has decided that Salford is the place to be.

Whispering Chris Barnett, as he is known in boxing circles, is originally from Coventry but he has been living in Swinton for the past year with his partner Donna and their 10-month-old daughter Kenya.

Barnett, aged 34, has not fought since being in an horrific car accident in 2003. But training under Gary Booth at the Irlam Boxing Academy on Liverpool Road has rejuvenated his love for the sport.

Barnett said: "Boxing is in my blood but I have had a few knockbacks over the years. When I had the car crash I didn’t think that I would box again. But Gary Booth has shown great interest in me and we have been working well together so who knows what might happen?

"Ideally, I would love to get back into the top 10 ranking in the UK at light welterweight."

Barnett held the IBO intercontinental light welterweight title between 1999 and 2001.

And while ranked seventh in Great Britain, he fought for the IBO light welterweight world title, which is now held by Hattersley superstar Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.

Barnett lost to Columbian Newton Villareal in the world title fight and Booth believes that he is capable of being a big hit in the sport once again.

Booth said: "Chris certainly has the heart of a boxer and he has kept in good shape when he was out of the ring. We will soon have him back to his weight (light welterweight) and we will take it from there."

Barnett is hoping to feature in Oliver Harrison’s first crack at boxing promotion on Saturday, November 8.

Renowned Salford trainer Harrison recently decided to branch out into the world of boxing management and promotion and his debut show will be held at Wigan Robin Park.