BOXER Jamie Warters is banking on some world-class backing to ensure his ring return ends in victory tonight.

The Jorvik Warrior will end almost two years of inactivity when he takes on the vastly experienced Tony Booth in Hull.

It promises to be a stiff test for Warters, who will not only have ring-rust to contend with, but the fact he will also be fighting at cruiserweight for the first time and in Booth's own backyard.

But the 27-year-old is undaunted and reckons his link-up with new trainer Steve Pollard could reap a major lift.

Pollard was the man who guided Scarborough's Paul Ingle to the world featherweight crown, and Warters has revealed North Yorkshire's one and only world champion has also played a vital part in his preparations.

"Paul has been helping me. It was him that first put me on to Steve," explained the York boxer.

"He has helped me with my training and he's also been overlooking my sparring, making comments and encouraging me to try different things.

"He's shown me some of his old training runs and how he used to prepare for his championship fights.

"Along with Steve, he has helped me in so many ways."

With the fight now just hours away, Warters, who has a record of ten wins from 11 contests, reckons he is in tip-top shape.

"I've finished my sparring now and everything is spot-on," he explained.

"I just can't wait to get back into the ring and get a good win under my belt.

"I've done all the ground work and there is no reason why it won't pay off."

He added: "I've done 60 rounds of hard sparring but it has made me feel really sharp.

"Now it is just a case of keeping loose and focusing on the fight."

Warters admitted the fact he has been out of the ring so long was sure to add to the test provided by Booth.

"There's bound to be a few nerves but there's nothing wrong with a few butterflies," he reasoned.

"It's not about being frightened of getting hit, but about stepping into the unknown which a boxer always does when he climbs through the ropes.

"But I am confident in myself and with a new trainer, new fitness regime and new mental outlook I'm confident of a win."

Tickets for the fight at Hull's City Hall can be obtained by telephoning 01904 708709.

A bus from the Cross Keys pub on Tadcaster Road will be running fans to the crucial contest.

Updated: 12:03 Thursday, November 21, 2002