NICK MacDonald is hoping to make a record-breaking return to amateur boxing after being advised to leave the professional ranks, writes Alec Doyle.
The 10-time ABA champion quit Vauxhall Motors ABC to turn professional last autumn, with his sights set on a world title belt.
But the featherweight lost his debut fight against Ukrainian Nikita Lukin in October after a cuts stoppage and a doctor has since advised him not to box without head protection.
Head guards are not worn in the professional ranks so the setback is likely to end MacDonald's pro career, according to former coach George Treble.
Treble said: 'Nick has had a few problems since with cuts opening up in sparring. After visiting a plastic surgeon to have them repaired, he was advised that he was particularly prone to cuts to the degree that he may never finish a professional fight due to cuts stoppages.'
MacDonald is now back training at Motors again and is hoping the ABA will allow him to return to the amateur ranks to attempt to win a record-breaking 11th ABA title.
Motors secretary John Smurthwaite said: 'It is sad that things have not worked out professionally as he hoped. But if he is allowed back, there are a lot of guys in the amateur game who will be terrified because he is a special fighter.'
If he is allowed back, MacDonald will be eligible to regain his England place and possibly a selection for next year's Beijing Olympics.
* Motors' Matty Carson reached this weekend's Golden Belt semi-finals after beating Ricky Brukaj of Hastings at Woodhouse Park Leisure Centre in Wythenshawe on Saturday.
He posted an 11-4 points win and must now travel to Stoke Mandeville to fight for a place in the final.
