Gavin Tait is itching to return to the ring after getting the all-clear from top London skin consultants.

The Southern Area welterweight champion (pictured) paid a visit to the Harley Street specialists – the same people who helped Ricky Hatton with a problematic eye – after finishing his last two fights with severe cuts to his face.

Tait took the Southern Area title in September last year after winning a bloody bout against Chas Symonds.

Only the efforts of cutsman Frankie Hopkins got Tait through the 10-round contest, where he was awarded the win by the referee, having survived a sixth-round inspection by the ring-side doctor.

The Sheerness boxer said: "I was told I didn’t need surgery but it takes 18 months for the skin to heal properly and I was fighting every few months.

"I just need to keep supple and hopefully it will heal OK, but it’s down to my bone structure and it’s just part and parcel of the sport for me.

"It doesn’t phase me. It’s just an occupational hazard. The only concern is that if the cuts do open up again then the fight could be stopped."

Tait, 35, has been ticking over in the gym as he awaits confirmation of his next fight.