GEORGIE Smith is ready to make his return to the boxing ring - 18 years after his last professional fight.

The 45-year-old, from Canvey Island, became the IBO intercontinental welterweight champion during his successful career.

But he has mixed feelings ahead of his unexpected comeback against Ben Doughty at the Troxy in London on Friday night.

“I’m getting more nervous the closer it gets but I’m getting more excited about it too,” said Smith.

“It all came around after I made the mistake of going on Facebook after having a few drinks.

“It made me a bit braver and I ended up messaging Ben asking when we were going to get the fight on.

“Next thing I know I was on the card which came as a surprise but I’ve been treating it seriously and I’m feeling good.”

Smith - who will be donating his appearance fee to the Canvey Island Rugby Club junior squad - enjoyed a number of highs during his boxing career.

He became the Southern Area Light Welterweight champion and won five Essex and Eastern Counties titles.

Smith also fought for England and became the first Essex boxer in 104 years to reach the National ABA finals in 1991.

He first got into the sport after watching the Rocky 2 film at the cinema and turned professional at the age of 23, signing for Barry Hearn at Matchroom.

Nowadays, Smith helps to coach young fighters at the SS8 gym on Canvey.

But he is now being put through his paces himself.

“I did 10 rounds sparring earlier this week and I felt good,” said Smith.

“I know Ben is taking the fight seriously, he’s been running and has shifted quite a lot of weight.

“He’s been off the booze for 100 days or so and I’m having to work hard myself because I don’t want to be caught out.”

Smith did momentarily return to the ring six years ago for a ‘fun’ fight with Lee MacDonald, who played Zammo in Grange Hill.

But his latest fight will be taken far more seriously.

“It was just a bit of a laugh with Lee for charity and there was no winner or loser but this is going to be a proper fight this time,” said Smith.

“It’s been bringing back a lot of memories for me about how I used to feel in the build up to fights and the training I had to do as well.

“But I think it’s been a good thing for me to do as it’s made me much healthier and fitter, which is something I needed to do.

“It’s given me a goal but now I want to go and win.”