IN boxing terms, Boscombe has been seen as one of those journeymen sluggers, winning a few fights, but taking a few hefty beatings along the way.

Its fanbase has been very much local, but often vocal, and while some cynics have been quick to write off its chances, there are enough people who think there are a few fights left in the place yet.

For the believers, however, Boscombe might just be preparing for the title fight it’s been threatening for years.

As the surf reef readies itself for its eager customers, the Opera House welcomes some of the best bands in the land and the seafront starts to reveal its bling, supporters are now talking about a reversal of fortune that should be signalled by a reversal of a decision taken almost two decades ago.

Supporters are lobbying to open up the pedestrianised area to traffic again and while there will be some who see such a move as a controversial and retrograde step, the people in the know – the town’s traders – feel it could give the main shopping area just the boost it needs.

With so much of the focus on Boscombe’s rejuvenation centred on the shoreline, it is vital to those traders that the busy centre is given every chance to succeed.

And who knows, we just might see the town rise from the canvas for an unlikely Rocky-style victory to go with it.