Sunderland boxer Warren Baister delighted to be back in ring as he eyes title

The Sunderland star has reeled off four straight wins since leaving a glittering amateur career behind to turn professional, including three first-round KOs.

But Baister must clear a difficult hurdle – former Olympian Christian Adjoufack, a Cameroon team-mate of Sunderland boxer Thomas Essomba.

The African, now based in Barnsley, is only one bout into his pro career but the 31-year-old Wearsider knows what to expect at the Rainton Meadows Arena.

“I’ve not come across him in the ring in the amateurs,” said Baister.

“All I know about him is he went to the London Olympics and lost to the German boxer.

“Christian must know his way around the ring – just qualifying for the Olympics is difficult enough.

“It’s a good opponent and my first six rounder.

“My last opponent [Stanislav Eschner] came with one fight and one win and since I beat him he’s won his last three by KO.

“It’s great to be fighting lads who come to win, not cover up.

“Christian is no journeyman, he’s as ambitious as me and that makes it a hard fight.”

Baister has not boxed since last May and that was over in a flash as a body shot put paid to Eschner in Manchester.

The former GB Number one swapped the boxing ring for a wedding ring in September, when he married sweetheart, Emma.

But he’s excited to be back – and on home soil.

“I’ve not boxed since May, but I’ve had a few niggles and I got married in September!” he said.

“It’s nice to be back and as the headline bout.

“I was expecting Martin Ward to be top of the bill but his title fight fell through so it’s great to take that spot.”

HIs trainer, David Binns, sends out unbeaten duo, hard-hitting Thornley fighter Darren Surtees and Crimdon’s Jay Hughes.

There is a debut for their team-mate, Chris Wallace, from Peterlee.

Doors will open at the Rainton Meadows Arena with boxing getting under way at 7pm.