Refreshed Watson looks to hit back

CRAIG Watson . . . positive frame of mind.

CRAIG Watson has ruled out retirement from boxing and intends to split his time between the sport he still loves and the responsibilities of becoming a dad for the first time.

The 28-year-old Failsworth fighter, who has been nominated in the sports performer section of the Pride in Oldham awards, raised question marks over his future in the immediate aftermath of his defeat to Lee Purdy in July.

But a rejuvenated Watson has since taken a step back and looked at the bigger picture — 2011 did after all begin with British welterweight title glory at the expense of John O’Donnell — and concluded he can fight his way back to the top and raise a child with pregnant girlfriend Ashleigh.

He said: “After the Purdy bout at Oldham Sports Centre I was thinking it could all be too much for me, with my first child on the way and the prospect of coming back from a disappointing defeat.

“But I have had some time to think about things more rationally.

“I am not going anywhere and will definitely be back. We cannot wait for the baby to arrive, which will be early in the new year, and between now and then I will be maintaining my basic fitness levels in the gym.

“But it is also nice to spend time socialising again and even simple things like going for meals and not worrying about every little calorie.

“I am in a much more positive frame of mind, and it is so nice to be nominated for the Pride in Oldham awards.

“The British title victory back in February was one of the highlights of my career and I am not prepared to leave it all behind.”

That was followed by defeat to Purdy in the fifth round at the Manchester Arena, which saw the belt swap hands, and an unsuccessful challenge at Oldham Sports Centre.

But Watson feels his track record speaks for itself. He added: “I have had some great moments. O’Donnell was one of them but before that I beat Matthew Hatton, who is now doing brilliantly, and Ali Nuumbembe at a time when he was on the up.

“I will enjoy my rest then look to enjoy a few more memorable nights in boxing.”