Les Byfield will make Manny Zaber wait

'The Minefield' will compete for the first time in nearly six months at the Venue in Dudley as he looks to get busy again,

The Venue, on the High Street, once again hosts paid pugilists under the PJ Promotions banner, with fireworks expected on the evening before Bonfire Night.

Byfield will be taking on Ricky Leach, coming down to a four-rounder from the six that had been scheduled with Harvey Hemsley.

The 29-year-old is also in no rush to finally touch gloves with Zaber, for what would be a contest that has been brewing for years.

The two were scheduled to meet on the unlicensed circuit, but Zaber was forced to withdraw after breaking his leg in a car accident. Both turned pro afterwards.

Byfield, from Netherton, punched for pay first, losing on his pro debut over-the-distance before recovering to reel off five straight points victories.

Zaber has boxed eight times and won them all, with both still awaiting their first stoppage as they operate at super featherweight.

It will Zaber who goes for a title first, with the British Challenge strap on the line over eight rounds at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday November 19 against a yet-to-be confirmed opponent.

Byfield is thinking more towards a Midlands crown and at featherweight, which Leigh Wood has won and never defended. Paul Holt is the area champion at super feather.

Byfield said: "I'm seeing Zaber has asked for it, so I guess it will happen somewhere down the line. If I do go down to feather, let's see if he can make the weight first.

"I haven't made feather myself yet, though, so we might even find I'll struggle to get down. For me, this fight can happen next year.

"I can make feather or super feather, but there's a Midlands champion at each weight to consider if we were to fight for a meaningful title.

"That belt means a lot to Paul Holt and I congratulate him on winning it. He won't be giving that up - unless a better opportunity comes up and he has to vacate.

"Challenge titles are good but, let's be honest, they are club belts. If I am going to fight Zaber, it should be for a Midlands title."

Byfield has got married and taken the name Sharratt since his last outing, but cannot change it on his boxing licence until he has to renew.

His management team are also keen to ensure there's no confusion on who he is, so he will keep the 'Byfield' for boxing purposes.

Leach won't care either way and will put in a hard night's work to stop Byfield scoring what would be a maiden TKO.

Byfield won't fear him after an evil spar with the powerful Ryan Partridge, who resumes his campaign at middleweight next year, at the pair's Priory Park Boxing Club base.

Byfield said: "He's way bigger than me and tried to take my head off for most of the session. If I can deal with him, no one at my weight should be a problem."

Tipton's Ricky Summers returns over six as part of the same line-up, after a seven-month absence, against Chris Nixon.

The rest of the card will see Rowley Regis' Tyler Denny, Birmingham's Kane Baker, Telford's Tony Jones and Leicester's CJ Challenger occupy the home corner.

Tickets, priced at £35 and £50 ringside, are still available from promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.