Bridet's return breathes new life into his career

The Heart of Portsmouth heavyweight is bidding to bounce back from his Olympic heartache, after his hopes of involvement were dashed by a collapsed lung.

Bridet lost his spot on the Great Britain squad as a result of the injury which struck in a restaurant.

But surgery, which has seen the lung stapled to his rib, has seen the former ABA champ recover.

And the 26-year-old showed those problems are firmly behind him after recently winning an English Title belt.

Now Bridet is out to underline he is back to his best with victory in the England Boxing Elite Championships.

The army’s Mason Holmes was defeated as the puncher’s return accelerated.

Now he’s out for success at the Southern Counties stage of the championships next weekend.

Trainer, Q Shillingford, explained it’s been a battle in trying circumstances for Bridet. But after the resolve he’s shown, he’s got faith in what his charge can achieve.

Shillingford said: ‘Greg has worked very hard to get himself into shape after his injury.

‘It’s been an unbelievable comeback from him.

‘He lost his place on the GB squad as a result of the problem.

‘They kept him on as long as they could but eventually had to make the decision.

‘I’d say Greg is a superior boxer to the person who went to the Games at his weight.

‘He was at the top of his game and was gutted when it happened. It hurt and he was emotional.

‘After the collapsed lung he had problems with it after.

‘So they attached the lung to the rib with a titanium staple.

‘Now the aim is to get him back up there, and winning the belt was a good step on that path.

‘I’m quietly confident he can get right back to the top.’

Crawley’s Ricardo Slue lies in wait for Bridet next weekend.

And he’s been gaining some outstanding preparation for that contest after sparring with super-middleweight star Chris Eubank Jr.

That gave an insight into what Bridet could achieve if he chooses to move into the pro ranks.

Shillingford added: ‘Greg has become one of the chief sparring partners for Eubank Jr.

‘He helped him a lot before his last contest and was doing a lot of rounds with him.

‘It showed how he’s over what he’s faced, and one day in the future you can see Greg going pro.

‘You’d pay to watch the sparring between them.

‘Now he’s at a really good level physically and ready to show what he can do once again.’