Essington's Ben Wilkes back on the up and up

Essington's Ben Wilkes plans to remind people he's back in professional boxing when he next steps through the ropes on Independence Day.

The 28-year-old laced on a glove for the first time in five years two months ago to outpoint toughman James Child by landslide,

Now Wilkes is preparing to return to that same venue just "down the road," Walsall Town Hall, for another four rounder on Saturday July 4 to keep him busy.

He had swapped the inside of the ring for the corner, after an ill-advised three round stoppage loss to Latvian slugger Janis Cernauksis in May 2010.

He remained active in the fight game, obtaining a seconds licence as he got into coaching and putting fighting on the back-burner.

But the pain of that one defeat continued to cut deep and, now having redressed the balance, he's keen to make up for lost ground.

And with a still favourable record of that one blip and seven victories, don't be surprised if he's soon heading towards the Midlands light middleweight title.

He said: "I felt really good on fight night. I enjoyed being back amongst the lads as a fighter and not as a trainer. It was a different buzz and I felt really good once the first bell went.

"I was pleased with how I did. I thought I threw a good variety of shots and had a good work rate. I was really nervous to be honest but felt, on the night, it all come together.

"I'm back in love with boxing and ready to go again next month. Training is going well, my weight is good and I'm starting to put the last bits together.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to Walsall Town Hall as it's only down the road. It's a good venue and my fans enjoy it. Roll on!"

The main event sees former Midlands welterweight champion Steven Pearce headline, in either a six or eight-round contest.

'Fierce Pearce' is still seething at being overlooked in favour of Amir Unsworth, who he retired after six rounds of that April Walsall bill, for a shot at area boss Rob Hunt.

Midlands light welter titlist Luke Paddock, from Bloxwich, also features having had to pull out of the previous month's defence against Andy Keates with a norovirus.

A third Walsall prospect, welterweight Daniel Breeze, is on the card alongside light middleweight Craig Morris, from Ludlow in Shropshire.

Netherton's Les Byfield is matched at lightweight while German-born super middleweight Carl Dickens, from Redditch, is looking to bounce back from his first pro defeat.

Two debutants complete the card in big heavyweight Martin Gordon, from Dudley, and West Bromwich's Jack Summers, who turns over at super feather.

Infitting with Independance Day, there will be a range of American inspired food and drinks available on the night.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.