Scott Fitzgerald wants rematch with Anthony Fowler as he prepares to return, says manager Steve Wood
Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9KOs) set for dramatic comeback and wants rematch with rival Anthony Fowler
Scott Fitzgerald's manager, Steve Wood, told Sky Sports: "He wants to prove a lot of people wrong, that he can turn it around, and get back to where he was and eventually become a world champion."
The former British title holder is set to return to the ring around a year on from his lowest point when his boxing licence was suspended after being arrested.
The 28-year-old known as 'Fitzy' was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman in March in Preston and bailed until May 21, 2020.
The Preston puncher wants a "mega-fight" with Anthony Fowler and still holds world title ambitions after overcoming his problems outside the ring, says manager Steve Wood.
The undefeated 29-year-old has not fought since he defeated Londoner Ted Cheeseman to become British super-welterweight champion in October 2019, with Fitzgerald having to seek professional help for alcohol and gambling addictions.
But the unbeaten super-welterweight is now set to return to the ring and remains confident that he can succeed at the highest level in the sport.
"He should be out by end of March, early April," boxing manager Wood confirmed.
"He's really looking forward to it. He knows he let a lot of people down, he let himself down more than anybody. He wants to prove a lot of people wrong, that he can turn it around, and get back to where he was and eventually become a world champion.
"Everything is fine now. He's realised he was going down the wrong path, and he's straightened himself up. I think the word you're looking for is he's 100 per cent clean and fully focused to make a success out of his boxing career.
"He's had another little girl. He's got a boy and a girl to support, so he's got to do it now."
Fitzgerald relinquished the Lonsdale belt, which will be at stake when Cheeseman faces James Metcalf on the Alexander Povetkin vs Dillian Whyte 2 bill on March 6, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
A European title fight is the immediate aim for Fitzgerald, although a rematch with Fowler could be another option after he defeated the Liverpudlian in a thrilling encounter in March 2019.
"We'll have a fight, see what he looks like, and then we'll start looking at European eliminators and eventually the world title within the next 18 months," said Wood.
"I think everybody wants to see it (Fowler rematch). As long as they both keep winning, it's a mega fight. It's certainly one we won't shy away from.
"The rivalry with them, it can't be done behind closed doors. We've still got the vision of selling out Deepdale."
The WBA International title that Fitzgerald won against Fowler is now in his rival's possession after he beat Harry Scarff in November 2019.
Fowler faces Jorge Fortea on February 20 then wants to challenge European champion Sergio Garcia next. With both enemies sharing the same goals and eyeing the same titles, it's highly likely they could clash again in the near future.
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