SOUTHAMPTON heavyweight Colin Kenna believes Frank Bruno should abandon plans to make a comeback - and has insisted he could now beat the former world champion.

Unbeaten Kenna is currently in training for his ninth professional fight, but has looked on with interest at recent developments that have seen the domestic heavyweight scene spiced up by the return to the ring of Herbie Hide and Bruno's challenge to Audley Harrison.

The 27-year-old believes the two old-stagers are well past their best and says they should have remained in retirement.

Kenna said: "I wouldn't be worried about fighting Frank Bruno in the slightest. He is too old now and has been away from the sport for too long.

"Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for him and what he has done in boxing is brilliant, but I think a comeback would be bad news for him. It would be a shame for him to come back and then end his career with a few losses."

He added: "Herbie Hide didn't impress me during his comeback. Last time he came back he got knocked out and I've heard stories of him being knocked out in the gym. Basically he is a bit chinny."

Kenna's next fight is against Welshman Mal Rice at Southampton Guildhall on Monday, May 12 and, after an impressive win against Kettering journeyman Derek McCafferty, the Lordshill boxer is confident of building on his upward progress.

He said: "In another couple of fights I will be ready for the top guys.

"Mal Rice is very durable. I think he carries a bit of a punch. he is a big fella, but he is a little bit fleshy. I will go in and box him and see how it goes. If I feel I can get the knockout I will go for it.

"If I win this one I have been promised a fight on BBC with Mark Krence. He has only lost once to Audley Harrison, so that would be another good test for me."

Kenna says he feels fitter than ever having recently gained the sponsorship to allow him to train full time.

Previously, he was getting up to go running at 5.30am before spending the day working as a bricklayer and then training in the evening.

He said: "It is going really well at the moment. I feel completely different, much fitter and much better than I was. I was the fittest I have ever been for my last fight and with the extra training I'm getting I feel I can kick on.

"The key thing is that with extra rest I can train that bit harder."

Southampton boxers Michael Mathewsian and Danny Cooper will also appear on the May Guildhall bill. For ticket details, contact the Southampton Guildhall box office.