Galahad –real name Barry Awad – failed a drugs test in September 2014 having tested positive for the substance stanozolol following his victory against Adeilson Dos Santos. Although he was originally banned for two years, UKAD recently reduced the ban by six months, allowing Galahad to make an earlier than expected return.
Prior to the ban, the unbeaten super-bantamweight was well on his way a world title shot having already won the British, Commonwealth and European belts. Now, Galahad (18-0, 9 KO) wants to carry on where he left off.
“It’s definitely been a tough time for me but my focus now is on what the future holds,” the 26-year old exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I’ve stayed in the gym non-stop over the past few years and I personally think that I have improved as a fighter. It’s alright me saying that, so I have to showcase that in the ring on Saturday.”
Galahad will return in a scheduled six-rounder at Wigan’s DW stadium this Saturday against an opponent yet to be announced.
“He said: “I wanted a decent eight-rounder, but it’s a late notice fight, so we couldn’t get me many more rounds. I know it won’t be anybody good on just a week’s notice – it’s just a good feeling to be back fighting.
“I want to get back in the world level mix straight away. I’ve won all the titles at the levels below so I’m not going to go back down. The plan is to get this warm up fight out the way, get another fight under my belt and then go in against a top ten opponent.”
In Galahad’s absence, the British super-bantamweight scene has taken off somewhat, mainly due to the ‘super-fight’ between Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg. Although Frampton – the winner of that fight – has since moved up in weight, the likes of Quigg, Gavin Mcdonnell and Jazza Dickens are all on the brink of world titles themselves and could be possible future opponents of Galahad.
“I want to clean up the super-bantamweight division and am looking for world class opponents. Quigg can avoid everyone else in England because we all know he is not a world-class operator. Rigondeaux, Donaire and even Jazza Dickens would beat him. He got lucky to be in the right place to get a belt when he did.
“I want to face the best and win a world title. I have already beaten Dickens and as I have said before there are levels in boxing. My eyes are on a world title shot.”
Matt Horan is lead writer for WBN. Follow on Twitter @mhoran123
