Eamonn O’Kane will prepare in new surroundings with an old friend before he takes to the ring at the Odyssey on February 9.
O’Kane - who lost to John Ryder in his last outing in December - has teamed up with new trainer Benardo Checa for his fight against Gary Boulden at the Belfast venue in a six rounder.
And O’Kane - whose fight is on the undercard of the European title fight between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez - says he is enjoying training under the guidence of Checa.
“We have stripped my boxing back to the bare bones and we have gone back to basics. It is hard work, but it is enjoyable and hopefully we will see improvements at the Odyssey.
“It has been great to start afresh, but I will always be in debt to the guys at the Immaculata gym.
“I still go there to spar with Martin Lindsay and Alfredo Meli, and I always enjoy going back there, but I just thought a fresh approach might help me,” he added.
O’Kane is now training with his mate from Dungiven, Paul McCloskey.
“It is great to be training with Paul again. We trained for years together when we were amateurs and we travel up and down from Dungiven together, which also helps.
“Paul also came to Bernardo recently and he is looking good in the gym. There is more to come from Paul, I am sure of that,” said O’Kane.
And what does the Commonwealth Games gold medal winner know about Boulden?
“He went 10 rounds with British champion Billy Joe Saunders and he is a tricky customer. I am looking forward to getting back to winning ways. The defeat to Ryder was hard to take, but I will come back stronger.
“The new training camp has done me good and I am looking to win at the Odyssey and put on an impressive performance,” said O’Kane.
Also on the bill Martin Lindsay will attempt to regain the British title off Lee Selby and Jamie Conlan will also fight for a Commonwealth title. Martin Rogan, Andy Lee and Daniel McShane will also feature with a few others.
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