Josh Kennedy is excited ahead of his return to the ring - even if it’ll come in slightly unusual circumstances.

Folkestone fighter Kennedy is to compete at a Prizefighter tournament this Saturday at Maidstone Leisure Centre when the winning boxer out of the eight contestants will have to win three bouts in order to come out victorious.

Kennedy will box as a welterweight.

He said: “It’s a Prizefighter tournament so I’m, hopefully, boxing a few times on the night - which will be interesting!

"It’s the first one I’ve ever done. It’s in Maidstone.

“It’s at a different weight class. Obviously, I’m used to boxing at featherweight and this is at welterweight so it’s a few weight classes above.

“It’ll be interesting to see how I get on at that much-heavier weight but I just wanted to test myself and give it a go so I just jumped on the bill and I have put on a few pounds - through muscle and food!”

He hasn’t really yet got going as a boxer since the pandemic but Kennedy has managed to work on another project.

The 31-year-old said: “There was the lockdown and there were some troubles with my medical licence, and so on and so forth.

"It’s been a lengthy process sorting that and it’s cost me a few grand but, in the few years that I’ve been away from the ring, I’ve started my own boxing Academy.

“I go to schools now and teach kids and I’m a full-time personal trainer.

"That’s the positive I take away from it but I’m just dying to get back in the ring, I miss it big time.”

Kennedy feels more comfortable boxing as a welterweight.

He explained: “I have looked at the lads in this tournament and, obviously, they are all decent boxers. But I’m looking forward to it.

“Getting down to super bantamweight at 55kg, it’s draining.

"The week of the fight, I’m eating like a rabbit! A bit of lettuce there and a bit of chicken there, it’s just no fun and I didn’t enjoy it.

“It puts a massive strain on the body so I’ll see how I get on in this. Obviously I’m not a natural welterweight.

“I don’t decide what the weight category is so I just jumped on it with this welterweight tournament.

"I’m hoping my boxing ability should keep me safe.”

Kennedy is also back working with old amateur boxing coach Harry Slater, too, in the build-up to the tournament.

“I’m back to selling tickets myself for this one. The more tickets I sell, the more money I’ll make, and that’ll be nice just before Christmas,” he said.

“I’m back training with my old amateur coach, Harry Slater, as well.

“It’s a little trip down memory lane and brings back a lot of good memories. I’m happy.

“He’s a very knowledgeable man, he’s a good man.”

Former English super bantamweight champion Kennedy is trying to pass his boxing knowledge on to the younger generation, as well, having last year set up the Team Kennedy Boxing Academy.

He said: “Honestly, it’s amazing. It started off just for adults but the amount of kids coming in is unbelievable.

“I deliver boxing in schools as well and I’m hoping to start an after-school boxing club.”

Anyone interested in watching Kennedy - sponsored by Delish Chicken in Folkestone and Londis on Dover Road - fight can call him on 07307 455558.

Tickets are £40 for standard seating and £55 for ringside VIP seating tickets.

Those interested in taking up boxing at the Team Kennedy Boxing Academy can also call the same number, email Info@tkboxing.co.uk or search for the Team Kennedy Boxing Academy on Facebook.