Professional boxing returns to Dudley for the first time in over two years with two rising stars of the town aiming to make it a happy homecoming.

Cradley’s Chris Male and Coseley’s Richard Ghent both step into the ring at the Venue in Dudley on May 29 looking to further their promising careers.

They were both still amateurs the last time the town staged a show, when middleweight Howard Eastman won the Commonwealth title in April 2007.

Those are the sort of heights young guns like the Dudley duo dream of but one step at a time – they have yet to complete their first year in the paid ranks.

Ghent just wants to compete, flu ruled him out of his last planned bout at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on April 3 and this is still only the popular light-welterweight’s third fight as a pro.

Still, what better way to come of age than on a hometown bill.

He said: “It’s great to have boxing back in Dudley and I am thankful to be a part of it. It’s been a really stop start for me so far, I have been unlucky but that is behind me now.

“Everything is back on track, so I am happy. I will still have five fights under my belt by the end of the year, with the one I have already had.

“That is my plan and it hasn’t changed.”

Super-featherweight Male by contrast takes on his fifth professional fight and few will have learned more than over his unblemished start.

Now the 25-year-old faces another tough ask, taking on the vastly experienced 36-year-old Sid Razak from the Richie Woodhall camp.

But the ‘Male Man’ – a postman by day – has already handed the likes of British Masters champion Tony Hanna and Shaun Walton defeats.

He was also part of the ‘Battle of Brum’ undercard on ITV4 in March, taking the opportunity to outpoint Pavils Senkovs.

The Cradley prospect is pleased as punch with his progress, but he is hungry for bigger and better things.

He said: “I have had some great experiences so far, so to be a part of this show in my hometown shows it’s just getting better and better for me.

“I feel within 12 months, if I carry on the way I am, I could compete for a title.”

To be there for the big fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul ‘PJ’ Rowson on 07976 283 157.