Femi Fehintola aims to ram the “age” taunts down the throat of his old sparring partner when he returns to the boxing ring tonight.

Now 30, the Bradford super-featherweight is ready to relaunch his pro career under new trainer Sean O’Hagan.

It begins at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre with a six-round grudge match against Qasim Hussain – who has been having a few digs about his opponent’s advancing years.

Fehintola said: “He’s had a few things to say about me being an old man. But we’ll see.

“I even offered to bet him all the wages that I’d stop him. That shows how confident I am, with my knock-out record (one in 25).

“I used to spar with him at Clinton Woods’ gym and he’s a game, come forward fighter – just what I like. I might be older but I’m also wiser.”

It is almost seven years since he was stopped by Carl Johanneson in a West Yorks-hire derby for the British title.

Fehintola – who has 23 pro wins – has boxed only twice since 2009 but is determined to look ahead after relocating his training to Dewsbury.

“I don’t want to be judged on my previous 25 fights. I’m living better now and punching harder.

“I’m definitely in the shape of my life. I came back to the gym weighing 11st 4lb and after four weeks I’d lost a stone.

“My weight used to balloon up when I wasn’t fighting but now it’s not a problem.

“I’m weighing in bang on 9st 7lb after an eight-week camp and I feel great. Everything has just clicked with Sean – I’ve never known a trainer who can get as much out of me.

“The plan is to fast-track me with three fights before the year’s out and then look at what titles are out there.

“Gary Sykes is fight-ing for the British belt and then stepping up so there are lots of slots there.”