Return to the ring takes Joe to 5-0

Nottingham boxer Joe Hughes was back in action on Friday 25 June and celebrated his return with a unanimous win over opponent Sam Melville in a four-rounder at the Sheffield Arena, a victory which took his professional record to 5-0.

“It was good to be back in the ring and shake off the rust after such a long break,” said 24-year old Joe after the match up.

“Sam was a tricky, tough opponent who made me work hard to secure the win and although it wasn’t my greatest performance, I hope I did everyone proud, especially those who came to support me up in Sheffield.

“Now it’s all about the next one – I’ll be back on it in Worksop on Friday 10 September and you’ll see a faster, stronger, fitter me when I walk out into the ring again looking to make it 6-0!”

His manager and head coach Scott Calow added : “The win in Sheffield was a good platform for Joe’s return and his performance on Friday drew plenty of positive comments from the commentary team.

“We’re looking forward to getting him back in the gym to start preparing for Worksop in September, the first of three bouts on the cards for him over the coming months, and I’ve no doubt he will be stepping up a level in opposition every time.

“Local fight fans will be pleased to know that there’s even more to look forward to, with new signing Ryan Amos up against Kyle Hayward for the Midlands title at Leicester Arena in September and Jack Hutsby going up against George Farrell for the Midlands Super Middleweight title on Saturday 2 October too.”

Scott will also be back to promoting shows under the Boxing Connected banner with fight nights booked for both Worksop and Kent over the coming months, together with a return to Nottingham’s Harvey Hadden Stadium that has already been confirmed for Saturday 9 October.

“Getting back to business at last is great for everyone, whether they’re boxers, coaches, promoters or fans,” said Scott. “It’s been a difficult time but we’re determined to come back with a bang – watch this space for more details of the shows already lined up and for news of an announcement due to drop in a couple of weeks, when another top amateur signs to our stable.”