ODIHAM professional boxer Matt Goddard is back in training and believes 2014 is going to be a great year for him.

The 23-year-old had hoped to fight in the last two months of 2013, but a foot injury picked up while running left him needing to rest.

Goddard said: “It was not the way I wanted to end the year and I missed out on a couple of fights, but I am back in training and even more eager to build on what I have achieved this year.”

The Odiham fighter maintained his unbeaten record at lightweight in 2013 and finished the year in style with an impressive first-round knock down of Slovak Julius Rasael at Fareham in October.

This took his record to six wins out of six since turning professional in 2012 and he is now looking to get back in the ring in February.

Goddard said: “I have started training again and I want a fight early in 2014. There is a show in Southampton in February that would be ideal for me.

“I look back on last year and I was pleased with the way all three fights went.

“My long-term aim is to fight for titles.

“I have to keep winning to make this happen and hopefully it will be by the end of next year.”

Goddard, who works as a personal trainer and runs Matt Goddard Fitness, has now started running boxing classes on Monday and Friday evenings.

They take place at Bell Hall, in Odiham, from 7pm to 8pm and are open to anyone over the age of 14.

Goddard said: “I love teaching as it is very rewarding and I hope the new boxing classes are a success.”

Anyone wanting more details on the classes can contact Goddard on 07803 837129.