Brighton-based fighter Tony Oakey ends his 16-month exile from boxing on Saturday when he climbs back into the ring.

The 29-year-old has not fought since he lost his WBU light-heavyweight title on a split decision to Matthew Barney in October 2003 and subsequently picked up a year's ban after testing positive for cocaine in the post-fight drugs test.

Oakey has been preparing for his comeback in Brighton and Hove under the guidance of Ronnie Davies and has had some top-class sparring.

Oakey said: "I have had some great sparring with Ruben Groenewald who is a former world champion himself.

"He's weighing in heavier than me at the moment which is good. I have also been sparring with Jay Morris and John Paul Temple so I have had a good variety."

Oakey cannot wait to end the regimented training schedule under Davies which has seen him do little else than eat, drink and sleep.

He said: "It has been 16 months so I am looking forward to it. I have kept myself focused and in good condition. Once this fight is out of the way then I can really start to look forward. I'll be off and running and able to look at other things."

The fight takes place at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, in Oakey's home town and the fighter with just one defeat to his name in 18 contests is predicting an all-action clash.

"Oakey said: "He comes to fight so it should be pretty good for the fans. It will be a good little scrap for them to see."

The fight is the first of three scheduled for Oakey.

He said: "I have three non-televised fights to get my fitness back up, after that I will be ready for any title they throw at me. "