THRILL-SEEKER Liam Richards says that he’s returning from his near three-year spell away from the ring with designs on becoming the perfect showman.

The 27-year-old, who went as far as to take on Ryan Walsh for the English super-bantamweight title in 2011, hasn’t fought since March 2012 and up until now had resisted the temptation to step through the ropes while he concentrated on his personal life.

The Contender Gym fighter (11-3), from Melksham, was finally set to resume his pro career against journeyman Jason Nesbitt at Trowbridge’s Civic Hall this Saturday but that show has been cancelled.

Instead, Richards could have to wait until March, after being pencilled in to lock horns with Johnny Coyle for British Masters Bronze super-lightweight title in Essex.

Nontheless, he says that his new career aim is simply to consistently put on a show.

“I can’t wait to get back in there and have a war,” said Richards, who also works with adults with disabilities.

“It’s been almost three years now. Back then, I got to a stage where I didn’t feel that I could give 100 per cent to the sport. I’ve got two young kids (Brooke, nine, and Declan, seven) and I wasn’t giving 100 per cent to my family either.

“People were always asking ‘when are you coming back?’ and I had to tell them that I wouldn’t be but I’ve been in the gym all the time and my partner (Laura) pushed me back into it.

“Three years ago, the aim was to be British champion. I wanted to be the best in the country.

“But I love to watch two Mexicans getting into the ring and having an absolute war – I want to be the most exciting fighter in the country.

“Before, it was all business and it was always like ‘you must fight him before you can fight him and then you have to fight him’. I want to enjoy myself."

Richards is sponsored by CJS Plastering and Chris Smith, who paid for his medical and license fee.

MORE SPORTS NEWS, PICTURES AND REACTION IN THIS FRIDAY’S WILTSHIRE TIMES. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WTSport