BOXING prospect Michael Fafera marked his comeback fight with a 40-36 points victory over former Central Area champion Darryl Sharp.

Fafera had been out of the ring since November 2019 amid both the coronavirus pandemic and a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury.

And while he boxed with strapping around his left knee, the York light heavyweight showed few signs of ring rust during a dominant four-rounder, in which he won every session on referee Andy Brook's scorecard.

Fafera started brightly in the face of some early taunting and clinching by 98-fight veteran Sharp.

The 27-year-old continued to battle hard against his Manchester opponent's tight guard and although he took a right hand near the ropes at the end of the second, he regathered by following his corner's instructions and targeting the body.

The penultimate round was a one-sided affair in which Fafera barely conceded a shot, although he was struggling to put a significant dent in Sharp, who has been stopped just thrice in almost 100 contests.

By the fourth and final three minutes, Sharp was visibly rattled by a Fafera right-hand upstairs before another pummelling shot from the same hand meant little play-acting was now coming from the away fighter.

Fafera's victory at Leeds' Elland Road Pavilion takes his professional record to seven victories from as many fights.

His win over Sharp saw 'The Problem' pick up the first 40-36 win of his career, having failed to do so in each of his last four decision fights.