FRESH from his comeback win earlier this month, Gary Rae has revealed he is targeting a title shot before the end of the year.

The Barrhead super-bantamweight cruised to a straightforward win over Adam Hutchinson at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on June 6.

However, Rae, who was making his return to the ring for the time since last October’s ill-fated bid for the Celtic bantamweight crown, insists he’s now ready to move back up a level and, subsequently, back into title contention.

Read More: Gary Rae to make long awaited comeback.

The 30-year-old told Barrhead Sport that he expects another ‘tune-up’ fight in September before a title shot either in his natural super-bantamweight division or back down at bantamweight.

“I spoke with my promoter immediately after the fight and he’s keen to get me back in the ring around September time for another tune up fight,” he said. “After that, we’re definitely looking at a title shot for me before the end of the year.”

Rae continued: “I made the super-bantamweight limit quite easy so I could definitely get back down to bantamweight. I struggled to drop down for the Scott Allan fight last year which played a part in my loss but I’m at a much better place right now with my weight after fights so we could explore opportunities down there too. 

“My promoter told me exactly what I wanted to hear after my first fight back. It really has got the fire burning inside me again. I was thinking that my first loss could have been it for me, but my manager reassured me that it was just one loss and I could come back and open up the division again after a couple of fights. I’m comfortable at both weights so I’m really excited with what the future holds.

“I was actually back in the gym the Saturday after my fight. It wasn’t a heavy session but I’ll step it up soon and keep myself ticking over for the September fight.”

Read More: 'Razor' Rae shrugs off any ring rust with convincing win.

With eight months out of the ring spent reflecting on his first pro loss, Rae is adamant that he has improved as a fighter since that night at the Lagoon Centre, revealing new fight tactics that will stand him in good stead for his September bout and a potential title fight.

He added: “I coasted a bit against Adam to be honest. I could have been much more aggressive but I’ve been working on my discipline as I don’t want to dive in.

“I’m known as an exciting fighter but no one will appreciate that in a few years when my face is a mess so I’m going to box smart from now on.”

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