Les Byfield desperate to redress the balance

The 28-year-old from Netherton was defeated on his professional debut at the Venue in his hometown two months ago,

Byfield really struggled with Londoner Reece Smith, who came out swinging and never let the Black Country combatant get into his stride.

By the time he settled into the contest, he was two rounds down and a late salvo couldn't pull it back, outpointed by Smith three to one (39-37).

Now Byfield wants to put the record straight when he jumps up to light welter, taking on wily centurion Matt Seawright in another four-rounder.

He said: "No one wants to lose their debut and all anyone ever talks about is your last fight, so it's felt like the longest wait ever for this one.

"It was as hard an opening fight as you get, he charged at me from the off and I was a bit shocked. I think I just froze, to a degree, on the night.

"But I am not the youngest new pro about, time is not really on my side so I don't want easy fights, and I don't have to worry about my '0' now.

"It's a setback and I have got to do whatever it takes to win this one. He'll tuck up, so I have got to keep him busy by working the jab from angles.

"I am not explosive, I'm a stylish back-foot boxer and I didn't show enough of that last time. I know I have got the fitness to set a pace, too.

"I won't be looking for the stoppage. It's at a higher weight than I am used to, after all. I just want to go out there and perform in every round."

Byfield is looking to emerge with the victory unscathed as he's already been handed his next ring date, at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday July 4.

And he's been watching Ryan Aston, who challenges Midlands light middleweight champion Jason Welborn on the Civic bill, at close quarters.

The pair are stable-mates at Priory Park Boxing Club, where Aston has been preparing for a much-anticipated grudge match in the main event.

Byfield said: "Ryan's just pure class, he's on another level than any boxer I have trained in the same gym with. Some of his skills are unbelievable.

"There's been times he doesn't show that in the ring, but I think this will bring out the best in him. It will have to, as Welborn is nobody's mug.

"If Ryan performs, I think he'll beat him on points or late stoppage."

For more information and tickets to the show, call the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.