I will be firing on all cylinders - Cordina

Joe Cordina became Wales' 13th world boxing champion when he won the IBF super-featherweight title

Joe Cordina says he will be "firing on all cylinders" when he makes his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday against Mexico's Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz on the undercard of Jack Catterall's bout with Harlem Eubank at Manchester's AO Arena.

The 33-year-old Welshman has been out of action for more than a year, but will be eager to make a statement as he steps back up to lightweight, the division in which he previously captured British and Commonwealth titles.

"I'm just happy to finally get a date," Cordina told BBC Sport. "I've been ready to fight since October last year."

Cordina had been due to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in a high-profile bout last October but the American was forced to withdraw through injury.

"I was a bit frustrated, as a fighter you always want to be involved in those big American fights," Cordina added.

The former IBF super-featherweight world champion has now settled permanently back in Wales after spending much of his career training away from home.

"For the last 16 out of my 18-year career I've lived away," Cordina explained.

"But now I'm experienced enough to keep away all the distractions. To come back to Cardiff, be around my family and leave the gym to go home to my kids, it's a nice feeling."

Cordina will prepare for his comeback alongside respected Welsh trainer Gary Lockett, who he has long admired.

"I've always trained at Gary's gym when I'm home. He was technically sound as a fighter and he's technically sound as a trainer," Cordina said.

"Basics are what you need to win boxing fights - he teaches that better than most."

In Quiroz, Cordina faces a relatively unknown, but dangerous opponent. The Mexican lightweight boasts a record of 17 wins and one defeat, with 13 victories coming by knockout.

"If I'm going to be world champion again, it's someone I have to get through," Cordina said.

"They offered me two opponents - one was 19-0 with six knockouts, the other was 17-1. This one I have to respect his power, it'll keep me switched on. I'll be firing on all cylinders."

Saturday's fight marks an important step for Cordina as he looks to put a frustrating year behind him and move back towards world title contention.