I WAS in Malta with the family enjoying a well-earned rest. Though I was doing some light training there, the first defence was sprung on me with about eight weeks’ notice, which isn’t enough for me.
Consequently, I rushed straight into sparring and knackered the right hand the first time I landed it, in my first spar back. I knew straight away that it was “gone”. I snapped the metatarsal; clean break.
At the time, I had no idea of the deal with the IBF. I was under the impression I was allowed two medical extensions. I assumed there’d be a fight for the interim title. Isn’t that the purpose of interim titles? I expected to be retained as ‘champion in recess’.
Before I knew it, I was told I’d been stripped, after just four months. Then, I had a hundred things going on in my head. I’m 31, not young. I’ve suffered hand injuries for eight years. Would Eddie Hearn want to build me back up? I’m a realist; I know how this game works.
I thought: “I can’t afford to take time
