FORMER WBO world super-featherweight title-holder Nicky Cook is getting the needle this week – and he s pleased about it! For Cook hopes that the injection in his back will cure the spinal problem that has kept him out of the ring since the night he lost

FORMER WBO world super-featherweight title-holder Nicky Cook is getting the needle this week - and he's pleased about it!

For Cook hopes that the injection in his back will cure the spinal problem that has kept him out of the ring since the night he lost his world title in March.

His father-trainer, ex West Ham pro lightweight Paul Cook, confirmed this week: "The back problem has been giving Nicky trouble for some time now and it has not responded to earlier treatment, but his specialists have recommended the injection.

"They are confident that the injection will allow him to return to full training to box again early in the new year - with a February date likely."

The world championship defeat that Cook suffered against Puerto Rican challenger Roman 'Rocky' Martinez in Manchester's MEN Arena was only the second setback of the local boxer's 31-fight pro career.

It cost him the WBO belt he had won in the same ring just six months earlier with a unanimous points decision over Scottish titleholder Alex Arthur.

Now the boxer, who also held British, European and Commonwealth championships earlier in his successful career, looks to get back on the title trail again in 2010.

MICHAEL LOMAX, another member of the Paul Cook camp waiting for a return to action, has been booked for a December date on a Matchroom show in London.

The stylish southpaw has not boxed since losing his British welterweight title challenge against classy Sheffield title-holder Kell Brook in Manchester in July.

Now Lomax, �25,000 winner of the Prizefighter welterweight tournament at York Hall a year ago, is preparing for his return to action in a six or eight-round contest on the bill in mid-December.

He looks to add another victory in a campaign that has seen the former West Ham BC amateur beaten just twice in 19 pro bouts.