GARY Buckland has left everyone at St Joseph’s “gobsmacked” with his exertions in the gym ahead of tonight’s comeback fight in Cardiff.

Former British champion Buckland returns to the ring at the Ice Arena Wales for the first time since suffering a points loss to Sean Dodd last September.

The 30-year-old faces Matty Fagan in a six-round lightweight contest on the undercard of the Frank Warren-promoted show which also features pound-for-pound great Guillermo Rigondeaux.

There were reports that Buckland had quit boxing after that defeat by Dodd, although the Welshman has since stated he was simply on a break from the sport.

Trainer Tony Borg believes Buckland’s main aim now is to own a Lonsdale belt outright, and admits he has been taken aback by his charges’ drive and determination following his return to the gym.

“Gary is looking very good,” he said. “He came back to the gym, dusted himself down after a good break and looks really refreshed.

“He actually looks like a new man, like the Gary Buckland of a few years ago when he was at the top of his game.

“He has had some great sparring in the gym with Lee Selby and is in great shape.

“We were actually all gobsmacked at just how much work Gary has put in.

“He is such a professional and is so hungry. He wants that British title for keeps, it’s the only thing he is thinking about now, the money has got nothing to do with it.”

Another of Borg’s boxers in action tonight, Blackwood lightweight Craig Evans, takes on Jordan Ellison over eight rounds.

It is Evans’ first outing since last December when he and Thomas Stalker drew for the second time in just over two months.

“Craig is in good shape too,” added Borg. “He has been patient hanging on for an opponent.

“The fight he really wants is Thomas Stalker. Even though Craig is probably better suited to the weight below, he still wants that rematch – it will probably come off.”

Borg continued: “Gary and Craig have been getting some great sparring in the gym.

“There is so much quality around with amateurs Joe Cordina and Sean McGoldrick, and Andrew Selby, Lee Selby, Mitch Buckland, Mason Jones and Kyle Jones.

“The lads can feed of each other’s dedication and hard work.”