Johnny Nelson and Glenn McCrory will come out of retirement to fly the flag for Britain in the Prizefighter International Heavyweights event at Alexandra Palace on May 7.

The former world champions have both worked as pundits on Sky Sports coverage of Prizefighter but felt it was time to dust of the gloves and get back into action in the 18th edition of Matchroom Sport’s eight-man, one night tournament.

The pair have decided to reclaim the glory days that saw them both claim world title and they see Prizefighter as the quickest route back to the top, taking a leaf out of Robin Reid’s book after he returned for the Super-Middleweights II in Liverpool.

While Nelson has been using the Sky Sports’ Ringside set to get back into shape with the help of new corner man Adam Smith, McCrory has set up camp in Philadelphia where he hopes to replicate Rocky Balboa’s tale and has been working with little known trainer Frank Akers.

“It may be a while since Glenn was in the ring, but the fire is still burning inside him,” said Akers. “Make no mistake – the Gentleman is still in fine shape and there’s no reason why he can’t claim the trophy.”

Tickets for the Alexandra Palace show have been in high demand already with American Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson, unbeaten Irish-based Cuban Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez and big-hitting German Konstantin Airich in the early line-up for the show – but Nelson and McCrory are keen to keep the coveted trophy in Britain. Promoters Matchroom Sport are delighted that the Brit legends are back and hinted they could open the door for more.

“This could be the start of some of Britain’s greats coming out of retirement,” said Matchroom Sport’s managing director Eddie Hearn. “Age ain’t nothing but a number as they say and after word got out that McCrory and Nelson are coming back, Jim Watt asking when the next Lightweight instalment will be.”

Tickets for Prizefighter International Heavyweights at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 7 May are available from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £50 and £60 ringside and £120 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.