Craig Woodruff Given Green Light To Return After Long Injury Layoff

Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough

Newport's Craig Woodruff is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring after making a full recovery from an injury to his hand. 

The 33-year-old has been out of action since he outpointed India's Manoj Kumar over four rounds at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff back in September of 2024. 

Woodruff, who has previously held the Welsh Area lightweight title and Celtic lightweight title, will have his sights set on finally securing the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt and becoming just the fifth fighter from Newport to achieve this feat. 

'Smiler' came close to capturing the British lightweight title when he faced countryman Gavin Gwynne back in September 2022, but the bout was declared a controversial majority draw, with many believing Woodruff had done more than enough to have his hand raised. 

Woodruff and Gwynne locked horns for the Lonsdale belt seven months later but 'Smiler' unfortunately fell short in the rematch, which took place on the undercard of Joe Cordina's world title victory over Shavkat Rakhimov in Cardiff. 

As he prepares to make his highly-anticipated comeback, Woodruff appears to be full of confidence and willing to do whatever it takes to bring the Lonsdale belt back home to his city. 

Further details of Woodruff's return to the ring are expected to be shared very soon, with reports suggesting that he will lace the gloves up for the 23rd time as a professional before the end of 2026. 

Article by Kailem Lowe

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