JOHN Wayne Hibbert admits he has not contemplated defeat as he makes his boxing return on Saturday night.

The former WBC International super-lightweight champion will fight journeyman Arvydas Trizno at the Brentwood Centre in his first bout since retiring last November.

Hibbert, 32, has made the step up to welterweight for the fight after back-to-back defeats against Andrea Scarpa and Martin Gethin.

And he says he cannot wait to step onto the canvas once again, as he looks to claim a British title down the line.

“I am buzzing about it all and I have not thought about defeat,” said the Horndon-on-the-Hill fighter.

“I can’t wait to get back into the mix and I feel in excellent shape, having made the step up to welterweight.

“I am boxing Ardyvas Trizno (25 victories, 65 losses, three draws) and to be honest I don’t know much about him.

“He is a journeyman from overseas and he has won 25 fights which is no mean feat. He has lost a lot more than he has won but he will still be a dangerous opponent.

“I have to get through this and if I do then I am hearing things through the grapevine about future opportunities.

“I want the British title and I know I can go and get it. I have been near it before and I will do everything possible to return to that stage.”

Hibbert is now working with Barry Smith and Harry Andrews at West Ham ABC, along with former marine Paul Kavanagh (Elite Commando Fitness), who is his new strength and conditioning coach.

And he believes he will be able to offer more at the increased weight category, having previously said the deep cuts he had been sustaining in fights was down to his skin being dehydrated.

“I got cut badly a few times and my kids asked me to stop and I had to listen,” he said.

“We have moved up a weight division but it hasn’t been much of a transition as I was a big super lightweight.

“There are no bad feelings towards the old team but I now have a team with fresh new ideas and have been working on a few new things.

“I am really enjoying this training camp. I am part of a bigger team and on days when you feel low you have guys to pick you up, which helps.

“I have come off winning some big titles and I want to be the best in that gym.”

Hibbert, who will weigh 10 stone 12oz for the bout, is boxing as part of the Summer Showdown MTK Boxing show.

Grays’ Tey Lynn-Jones will also feature on the bill, with the first fight at 5pm.

Hibbert thanked his sponsors for their support ahead of the bout, adding: “I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”

The list of sponsors include T&P Lead Roofing, Svm Installations, Reeds Family Butchers, Impulse Leisure, Five Star Cleaning, DF Roofing, FixAll Plant & Tool Repair Ltd, the Karis May Darling Foundation, D Crumpton Painting & Decorating Services and J M Sealant Contracts.

For tickets, call Hibbert on 07938 660 516.