Adrian Roach follows in the footsteps of some of boxing’s biggest names when he returns to the ring in New York this weekend.

Roach takes on eight-times state champion Carmine Gentile on Saturday in Brooklyn at Gleason’s Gym, which was built in 1937 and has been used as a training base by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Jake La Motta, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Julio Cesar Chavez among others.

The 22-year-old is competing for Crandall University and has been working hard in the build-up to the fight against his talented opponent.

“I know the opponent that I’m fighting is a seven-times state champion and ranked No 9 in the US,” Roach said.

“I’ve been preparing hard for it and hoping everything goes to plan and the win comes my way.”

Roach was last in action in Bermuda in August when defeating Canadian No 3 Taverio Stewart on a split decision and returns after taking some time off from the sport.

“The win was good momentum and set me forward for this semester,” Roach said.

“I will be fighting for my school this weekend and I haven’t fought for them yet this semester. I’ve been staying ready, staying prepared but I just had a few small injuries I had to take care of, so I’ve had a little bit of time off.

“I was able to take the rest that was needed and I haven’t changed my training much. I train hard at every single training camp and just staying focused.”

Roach is in his final year of studying and has plans to turn professional after he graduates, but he admits it is sometimes a struggle to combine sporting and academic achievement.

“I’m in my fourth year and I’m projected to finish in April,” Roach said.

“Balancing school and boxing has been difficult at times but any student-athlete will be able to attest to that, especially when you’re trying to compete at a high level and trying to take it farther than just competing in university.

“I eventually want to go pro and I do put a lot of emphasis on my training, so it has been difficult, but I’ve been managing it and keeping on par with my grades as far as graduation requirements. I’m blessed and thankful for that because it has been a tough journey but I am coping with it well.”

It has been an emotional year for Roach, who struggled with the loss of his grandfather, but he has recently returned to the island for a baby shower held in advance of the birth of his first child.

“I was back at home for about a week celebrating the soon birth of my firstborn child,” Roach said

“It was good to see my family and friends and link up with my coaches back at home, people that I trust, and they were giving me lots of guidance on this upcoming fight.

“Emotionally, the year has been filled with ups and downs, dealing with grief and loss but I’m taking comfort in being able to still box.

“Now becoming a father myself, it’s almost like a new journey and the due date for my newborn baby is just a day off my grandfather’s birthday, so it feels like it’s all according to plan and has given me some solace in the situation.

“There are obviously still emotional times and pain but I’m coping with it well and using it as motivation rather than letting them beat me down and getting me off my rhythm.”