YOU don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. That’s a statement that rings true for Chris Male.

The Cradley featherweight decided to hang up his gloves following a points loss to Leeds’ Josh Warrington for the vacant English title back in November.

It was the 30 year-old’s first defeat as a professional boxer and, soon after, he announced he was hanging up his gloves.

However, within weeks Male had realised that he wasn’t ready to give up on the sport that means so much to him.

Now, after a five month absence, the Punching Postman is ready to deliver.

“I’m feeling refreshed and ready to go again.” Male said.

“I put so much in to that (Warrington) fight — I was mentally and physically drained afterwards.

“I jumped the gun by announcing my retirement. It was a snap decision after the defeat and, within a few weeks, I knew that I wasn’t ready to give up boxing.”

Male (11-1) is back in action on Friday when he takes on tough Slovakian Elemir Rafael (24-66-1) on the undercard of Steven Pearce’s all-Stourbridge battle for his Midlands Area welterweight title against Sam Eggington at the Venue in Dudley, the scene of Male’s defeat against Warrington.

“It’s only right that my comeback fight is at The Venue,” he added. “There was so much support for me there against Warrington and to lose was such a bitter pill to swallow.

“I want to go back there and put on a show for my fans.”

Tickets are priced at £30 unreserved seating. There are still a handful of VIP tables, priced at £60 (ringside) to include a three-course meal (tables of 10). They are available from The Venue box office on 01384 453 101.