BENDIGO'S Damien Lock says he's excited to be returning to the boxing ring for the first time in nearly six months.
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The high-profile sportsman is scheduled to face Melbourne fighter Joshua Butler at a huge Hosking Promotions card at Melbourne Park Function Centre on Saturday night.
Lock has not fought since being knocked down in the opening round of his light heavyweight bout against Cameron Kaddour at Bendigo Stadium in June.
The impressive Queenslander, who was making his professional debut, has not had a bout since and neither has Lock.
The 38-year-old enters the fight with a 1-1 professional record. His opponent is 2-1.
Lock, who trains under good mate Scott Tuddenham, said his preparation for the fight could not have been smoother.
"It's been excellent, I've trained most days and have got myself into pretty good shape," he said.
"Hopefully I can just execute the plan on the night."
The younger Butler will be a tough opponent for Lock, who will drop two weight divisions from his normal light heavyweight division to fight the middleweight.
Butler is backing up from a win a month ago over Matthew Smith and is having his fourth fight since August.
"He's a tough guy and can fight all night," Lock said.
"It will certainly be a good test for me.
"I'm trying to make the most of it (boxing) while I can - I absolutely love the training - it's given me a new lease of life."
Lock, who will coach Loddon Valley Football Netball League club Marong again next season, hoped to make amends for his last fight loss.
"I am really keen to get back in there and redeem myself after the last fight," he said.
"It was a tough night, you have those. Hopefully I can work hard and get the result."
The former Carlton midfielder started his pro-career in emphatic fashion, scoring a split decision win over Bradley Weaire at Battle on the Goldfields ! at Bendigo Stadium in November last year.
Punches in the Park II, Bendigo promoter Lynden Hosking's second Melbourne show will be headlined by young gun Andrew Maloney's defence of his WBA Oceania bantamweight title against Mexican Carlos Ruben Dario Ruiz.
His brother Jason will defend his WBA Oceania super bantamweight title against Enrique Bernache (Mexico).
Also featured are promising Melbourne brothers Qami and Ibrahim Balla, who each boast 9-1 records.
