GARY Buckland called time on his boxing career last September – but the former British super-featherweight champion is back and can’t wait to fight again this summer.

The 29-year-old, who announced his retirement following a points defeat to Sean Dodd, has revealed he is set to return to the ring in Cardiff on July 16.

“I did retire after my last fight and I thought it was all over,” said the St Joseph's-based puncher. “I just didn’t feel happy in the ring.

“I stayed in the gym because I didn’t want to blow up and I thought that if I was going to come back I would have to do it now as I’m not getting any younger.

“I had a chat with Brian Powell (Buckland’s manager) and he said that whatever I wanted to do he would be with me all the way, so it has turned out to be more of a long rest than retirement.

“I’ve got my hunger for boxing back and I’m ready to go again.”

As for what he wants to achieve now he is back in the sport, he added: “I started off at lightweight and won the Celtic title at that weight, but super-featherweight is the way forward for me.

“I always wanted to win the British title and then keep the belt, so that’s the aim now.

“And then who knows, maybe the European title, I just want to go as far as I can.”

Buckland came close to claiming a Lonsdale Belt outright in August 2013 but lost the third defence of his British crown to Stephen Smith – British champions must defend their title three times to keep the belt.

After that setback, Buckland beat Welsh rival Gavin Rees before losing the rematch and then suffering three reverses in his next five bouts, the last of those coming against Dodd in Liverpool.

Buckland will be supporting younger brother Mitchell at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff this Saturday when the latter looks to maintain his unblemished pro record.

And the older of the two siblings is going to be keen to see how the location works as a boxing venue, as it is where he is expected to make his comeback in July.

“I fought Gavin Rees twice in Cardiff and the atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “Hopefully it will be another good night.”

Meanwhile, Gwent-based Hari Miles faces unbeaten Nick Webb over four rounds at the O2 on May 21 and Gary Lockett-trained Liam Williams is set for an eight-rounder in Liverpool on June 4.