SO boxing returned to ITV last weekend on their brand new pay-per-view ITV Box Office channel.

It was a good show but only because of the undercard featuring some top prospects, plus David Price and John Ryder.

I really felt for Price, a former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, losing to Christian Hammer in the seventh round.

He was breathing heavily from the early rounds, so his fitness was against him from the off.

I hope he finds a career on the safe side of the ropes.

He knows and loves his boxing, so it’d be great to see him land punditry roles.

Local lad John Ryder absolutely sizzled in his super-middleweight debut against banger Adam Etches, who was widely expected to stop Ryder.

John showed his skills as an elusive southpaw that moves incredibly well and puts together good packages of punches.

I really hope he gets a crack at Chris Eubank Jr next.

He could outbox him for the full 12 rounds - I’d definitely have a punt on Ryder to win that one!

The main event was a mismatch and not one that many boxing purists were interested in.

It was more for the casual fans that will willingly pay the fees to watch Eubank Jr feast upon another hand-picked opponent perfectly suited for his style.

The Brighton boxer won in the tenth round and some of the reports I’ve read calling him a world champion or suggesting that it’s the second coming have been a bit laughable really.

For me, he showed that he is nowhere near the top level and lacks power in the super-middleweight division.

He immediately called out all the other fighters, as per usual, but I know that he won’t fight them because the Eubanks pick their opponents very carefully to make him look good and allow the hype train to continue.

Regardless of the headlining fight’s appeal to me, the show was a success and received lots of coverage.

That exposure can only bring more attention to my sport, bring more fans, more money and more opportunities for boxers lower down the ladder, like me.

Boxing is more popular than ever and if it means more people are interested in buying a ticket to watch me fight on March 11 at York Hall, or sponsors are more willingly to back me in my campaign to win the British Challenge Belt by the end of this year, then long may it continue.

For tickets to the next show contact Team Church on 07938 878962.

Follow ‘Dazzling’ Darrel Church on Twitter @Darrel_Church89

Team Church would like to thank sponsors MB Surfacing and Essex Ink and Incredible Pixels and agent Tim Rickson.