Egan is back and set for October ring date

Brett Egan with Yours Truly at the press conference

GOOD to see Brett Egan, tanned and looking in fine shape, at Saturday’s press conference for Tommy Owens’ bill at Planet Ice, Solihull, on September 9.

In fact, he looked fighting fit, although the Birmingham boxer’s long frame looked more suited to the middleweight division than welter, where he’s been performing.

The 28-year-old, from Erdington, hasn’t fought since April. With a bout only weeks away, “Bam Bam” Egan announced he needed to step away from the game and bravely spoke publicly about the mental health issues he’s battled. “My head is all over the place,” he told me during those dark days.

The break has done him good, a power of good.

Manager Jon Pegg told me on Saturday: “We’re looking to get Brett out in October.”

It’s good news. From a personal viewpoint, I like Brett. He’s laid-back and has a sharp sense of humour.

On a professional level, the Birmingham game needs fighters of Egan’s calibre. He has lost only one of six – and that defeat came in a three round bout on Tommy Owens’ Top Boxer tournament.

Losses in such competitions have happened to the best – just ask Sam Eggington and Kaisee Benjamin.

Brett’s is also a good ticketseller.

Egan told me at the weekend: “To be honest, I’ve missed being punched in the face.”

And he stressed fitness is not an issue. “I ran a half-marathon this morning,” he said.

Egan is raring to go. Just a few weeks ago, he told me: “My manager, coaches and stablemates have supported me all the way and I’m so grateful for that. It did cross my mind that I wouldn’t fight again.

“I definitely want a fight before Christmas. You’ll see a different, better Brett Egan under those lights next time.”