YORK boxer Michael Fafera will make his long-awaited return to the ring on Friday, March 18.

Light-heavyweight Fafera has not boxed in over two years, with his last ring appearance coming in a points victory over Raimonds Sniedze back in November 2019.

Since then, the coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted small hall boxing while Fafera has suffered with a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury.

After recovering from the injury and surgery, the York fighter can now though look forward to a new fight date.

Fafera, who currently has six professional wins from as many fights, will be hoping to extend his unbeaten ledger in the paid ranks.

‘The Problem’ will return to the Elland Road Pavilion in Leeds on March 18 on a card promoted by Mark Bateson alongside Camp Detox.

Doors open for the event at 6pm, with boxing starting at 6.30pm.

Elsewhere on the card, English super-bantamweight Jack Bateson tops the bill.

Unbeaten prospects Harry Fryer, Ethan George, Ishmael Davis, Mick Learmonth, Mace Ruegg, Jack Bagnall and Brodie Carroll also feature on the card.

Meanwhile, on the same weekend, two Henry Wharton-trained prospects will make their first ring appearances of the year.

Unbeaten pair Rafal Benka and Hughie Wilson will box in separate bouts at the Oldham Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 19.

Earlier in the month, fellow Wharton boxer John Patrick Harker features on a bill at the Colne Municipal Hall on Saturday, March 12.