Bristol boxer Anton Haskins ready to roll again in the ring after two false starts

After two curtailed ring returns, Bristol’s Anton Haskins is hoping it will be third time lucky as he aims to breathe life back into his boxing career this month.

The lightweight, and son of former world champion, Lee Haskins, will break his 630-day sabbatical from the sport on Saturday, November 20 when he features on Neilson Boxing’s Fight Town show in Swindon.

Earlier this year the Bristolian was due to get back on track, but was unlucky to see two fights fall through after late pull outs from opponents.

However, with COVID keeping him out of the ring, Haskins reflected on the last 18 months positively as he has been training with his Dad, which has left him eager to show the fruits of his hard work.

“The last year and a half have been hard, because fighting is the only thing that I know how to do and when that gets taken away from me, I’m a bit clueless,” he said.

“I stayed in training, because my Dad is my trainer anyway he did all of my pad work at home and things like that.

“He (Dad) wasn’t very nice with the training, but then you can’t have people who are going to be nice to you because boxing isn’t a nice place to be, it’s a horrible place.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring, but I love fighting in front of a crowd. After a win everyone is hugging you, taking pictures of you and you feel like a bit of a celebrity.

Last time out, Haskins claimed his first stoppage as a professional against Daniel Alder in Bristol to take his record to 2-0. Next up, 21-year-old is pencilled in to face Jamie Quinn in Wiltshire, with the contest scheduled for four rounds.

Promoter Mark Neilson says he’s eager to see what Haskins will bring to the show at Swindon’s MECA in Regent Circus.

“Anton will always have a buzz about him because of his Dad, but he’s got some talents of his own that he’ll be keen to demonstrate, he’s definitely one to keep your eye on,” he said.