Pearson looks for comeback win

From the archive, first published Thursday 7th Dec 2006.

Gavin Pearson tonight returns to the ring for the first time in four years.

The Bradford light-middle-weight restarts his career against Mark Franks of Wakefield in the Premier Sporting Club dinner show at the Hilton Hotel.

The 29-year-old has a fair record in the paid ranks, with 16 wins and four draws in 26 fights, but dropped out of the sport after beating Richie Murray in December 2002 to spend more time with his

family.

Now Pearson is back and one of three Chris Aston fighters appearing on the city centre bill.

Shaun Doherty, son of former British champion John, is looking for his first success as a professional against Birmingham journeyman Anthony Hanna.

"If he performs like last time, then we're confident he can get off the mark," said Aston.

"Shaun's always had the right moves and technique about him in the gym but sometimes it can take a few fights for that to come through.

"He's still got one or two amateur quirks that need to be ironed out but the potential is there. He's not a big puncher but he can be a good, solid boxer."

Lightweight Ali Hussain, 18, is also on the card for his debut but there will not be a comeback for Danny Parkinson, who has decided to quit the sport again because he cannot combine training with work.