Harlem Eubank cannot wait to get back in front of a partisan home crowd in Brighton.
But the newly-converted welterweight is delighted to just be back in a ring for now as he prepares for his long-awaited return to action at the other end of the country.
Eubank makes his 147lb debut on Friday when he faces Nurali Erdogan in Newcastle.
He has not fought since beating Timo Schwarzkopf on that memorable Friday night at the Brighton Centre more than a year ago.
After planned fights fell through, he is now back with the Wasserman promotion, who put on that Brighton event which also featured Tommy Welch and Harvey Dykes.
The result is a chance to shine on Tyneside.
Eubank said: “There’s been a lot going on in the gym.
“There were fights that were meant to happen that didn’t happen.
“But, on the back of that, I’ve become a better fighter for preparing for those fights.
“I’m a much more well-rounded fighter than I was just 12 months ago and obviously, coming off the back of the Brighton homecoming, that was a big statement.
“I was ready to go in after that against the best in the division but obviously that didn’t materialise.
“It’s time to go in there now and make up for lost time and charge towards world title fights in 2025.
“It has been the most frustrating time of my boxing career.
“I’m elated that I can go back in there now and perform.”
Eubank appeared in charge of his fight against Schwarzkopf before forcing an 11th-round stoppage.
But he has revealed it was not as comfortable as it looked, hence the move up from super lightweight with input from his uncle, Chris Eubank.
He said: “On Channel 5 you don’t see the corner work.
“From round six onwards, I had severe cramp to the point where my muscles were turning on themselves.
“So it would have been a lot more of a dramatic ending, dramatic performance if you had seen that.
“My uncle was keen on me being 147. He boldly stated I am a 147 fighter.
“Over the year as well my body has continued to develop and I think my natural weight will be 147lb now, so I’m excited to go in there and compete, 100%.”
Harlem has relocated to Croydon to be closer to his training gym.
But Wasserman share his desire to bring another big show to Brighton.
He said: “It’s not quite my hometown but it’s sacrifices that need to be made to fine-tune and maximise performance and training on a daily basis.
“We’ve got big plans for 2025 so it’s just about taking care of business next Friday and setting up some big-time boxing back in Brighton.
“Bringing it home again early next year.”
Before that comes what should be a strong test from Erdogan.
Eubank, who is 19-0-0, said: “He’s a very solid operator. He’s got a strong record.
“He’s a former French champion and he’s going to be bringing 150%, as my opponents always do when they are fighting me.
“It’s my debut at 147 against a very solid operator who is coming to put it all on the line.
“He has a solid resume.”
Eubank will look to follow in the footsteps of his Albion favourites by winning in Newcastle But he has not had chance to support the Seagulls in person of late.
He said: “I’m trying to follow from a distance a little bit, but I’m planning on getting down to a few games and enjoying them without having training to think about.
“It drives me on, seeing the performances, the energy in games like that.
“It motivates me to really go on in boxing and perform in the same manner.”
