Michael Alldis has been ruing missed opportunities as he bids to get his career back on track.
The Crawley-based British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion has been unable to fight since a car accident in June left him with back and neck injuries.
There is no immediate prospect of a return to action for Alldis who should be at the peak of his career having won both titles on a glorious night at Crawley Leisure Centre in March.
A compensation claim as a result of the accident is in the hands of his solicitors but that is scant consolation for Alldis.
At 33, he was ready to fight for a European title, with a shot at a world title likely to follow that. Instead, he fears his British and Commonwealth crowns could be taken away.
Alldis said: "My back injury is much better but my neck injury is taking so long to get better it is unbelievable.
"I am having weekly sessions with my physio and osteopath. They are intense sessions.
"It is depressing. My neck is so weak. I have tried training but any slight movement it goes.
"I am still a long way off returning to the ring.
"Usually you have six months to defend your titles but if you have a good reason they may give you that bit extra time.
"It is five months now. I will have to see what pressure the British Boxing Board of Control puts on me."
Alldis has admitted he has wondered what might have been. After defending his Commonwealth title in May, he was preparing for a European elimination fight in August but that was scrapped after the accident.
He said: "What annoyed me most was Michael Hunter. The BBC refused to let him fight me in May. Two weeks ago he won a world title.
"I know I would have beaten Michael Hunter in six rounds. That should have been my belt. I believe that was my destiny."
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