Richard 'The Tiger' Evatt's boxing career was sensationally re-launched last week with the return of his licence and the promise of a world title shot within the next four months.

An incredible change of fortunes since June has seen Evatt staring the end of his career in British boxing in the face, to the prospect of reaching the world's pinnacle in his sport.

The amazing turnaround began on Wednesday last week with Evatt's successful appeal for the return of his boxing licence.

The exciting and powerful IBO Inter Continental featherweight champion, with 13 wins from 13 fights - 11 by way of knockout - had looked destined for a great career until a routine brain scan showed a slight change in his brain's condition from the previous year's scan.

The British Boxing Board of Control, no doubt mindful of recent ring tragedies, had no option other than to immediately suspend Evatt's licence.

Once such a decision has been taken, it is very rarely reversed, and the career of the Matchroom boxer from Coventry appeared to be over - at least as far as boxing in Britain was concerned.

Evatt, however, vowed to continue his career in America if his appeal were to be unsuccessful.

As it happened, the BBBC, after careful consideration and further medical reports, decided to validate Evatt's licence once again.

Even better news was to follow.

"My promoter, Barry Hearn, has said I can defend my title next month," said Evatt, "and, after that, he is confident he can get me a shot at Radford Beasley's IBO featherweight world title within the next four months."

When interviewed last year Evatt said he was aiming for the world title - and he wanted to beat Prince Naseem Hamed to get it.

"Getting my licence back really is a weight off my mind," said a delighted Evatt last week. "Barry always told me not to worry."

A professor of neurology had backed Evatt, assuring him that the changes found on the scan were minimal and natural.

News of his suspension had come just 24 hours before his last scheduled contest. He had been scanned just two days previously.

"I was quite confident of a successful hearing," said Evatt, "although I did not attend it."

But there are conditions. "It looks like I will now have to be scanned after every fight," he added.

Evatt was due to recommence training in Matchroom's Romford gymnasium on Monday this week in preparation for a bill pencilled in for December 18.

Richard Evatt . . . back in business with the world at his feet.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.