BOXING: Hughes has point to prove in Gloucester (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Malmesbury boxer Hughes aims to put first defeat behind him

8:30am Thursday 17th May 2012 in Sport By Danny Hall, Sports Editor

MALMESBURY boxer Joe Hughes will be 'coming home' when he next steps into the ring on Saturday, June 2, writes Danny Hall.

Hughes is scheduled to fight an as-yet- unnamed opponent on the Keith Mayo Promotions bill at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester - with the blessing of his manager and promoter Frank Maloney.

After bouts from London to Tyne and Wear, it is likely to be the closest venue to his Malmesbury home at which Joe will ever fight during his pro career.

Hughes, the former Senior ABA light welterweight champion and England international, is still smarting after losing his unbeaten record as a pro in controversial circumstances against Joe Elfidh in Sheffield back in March.

"There are no suitable Frank Maloney shows until September and I wanted to get back in the ring as I feel I have something to prove after that defeat," said the 21-year-old Hughes.

"I have watched the Elfidh fight over and over and I feel I won the first four rounds, including knocking him down in the first, so how I could have lost, I am not sure.

"I admit I was below my best - I lost the weight too quickly before the fight and I was ill for a week afterwards - but I'm sure I should have got the decision.

"Right now, I am just 2lb above the scheduled weight for Gloucester and feel in great shape, while I have not had any twinges from my injured hand in some time."

Top of the bill in Gloucester will be the British Masters battle between Lydney's Chris Higg and Joel Ryan, but Wiltshire-based Hughes is sure to sell a lot of tickets for what should prove an exciting night.

Places are already going fast for the traditional coach trip full of his fans from his local, the Borough Arms in Malmesbury.