The 24-year-old experienced a dream return to the ring on Friday night, after an 18-month break from boxing, by recording an impressive victory against seasoned journeyman Steven Ma.

Clarke said the claiming victory in the light heavyweight bout had given him a big boost.

"Getting the win, getting the confidence and getting all of supporters back was fantastic," he said.

"To get a win first fight back was a really big thing to do.

“I am super stoked and hope to continue getting the wins.”

Clark, who trains at the Coleraine-based Mocka’s Boxing Club, admitted to pre-fight nerves.

"I felt like it was my first-ever fight again," he said.

"It was a great feeling and I was pretty relaxed going into it and felt pretty confident.

"The nerves were there but not as bad, nerves are always good to have though."

Coach Ray ‘Mocka’ McIntosh said he could not have asked for a better return from Clark.

"It was a tough enough bout with Steven Ma, he has been around for a few years and boxed the top-ranked fighters in Australia and no one could put him away," he said.

"With Mitch we went there to box him and not so much try to stop him and it worked.

"His skill level is what impressed me the most seeing him improve on his ring craft that's what I was on about. 

"He spent years sparring with bigger-bodied fellas and now we have taken it back to basics and the art of boxing skills."