Skeldon aims to entertain at Civic

Tipton's Joe Skeldon aims to bring the entertainment factor as he continues his comeback at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday night.

The middleweight stepped back into the ring after a near 10-year absence in his comeback bout in July, against one tough opponent in Barnsley's Jason Smith.

Skeldon tumbled onto the canvas in the first round, only to rally and win in the final round of a compelling battle, via stoppage after Smith was cut.

Up next is Welshman Mark Phillips, an experienced foe with 60 pro bouts to his credit, as the next test for the revitalised Skeldon.

The Tipton slugger has a message for what will likely be a pro-Skeldon crowd - expect to see the best of me.

He said: "I will give the crowd what they want against Mark Phillips - a good fight. I bring the best out of everyone I fight. I aim to entertain whenever I am in the ring.

"You will see many more good bouts from me yet."

Watching on that night was his father, Roy Skeldon, who was a British Heavyweight title contender in the 1970's and 1980's, fighting 38 professional bouts before retiring in 1991.

He had praise for his boy after the fight.

Skeldon junior said: "Dad was pleased with my comeback fight. We talked about sticking to game plans before the fight and I stuck to mine, even when I was knocked down. It showed character."

With the support of his father behind him, Skeldon is already looking past his next bout. He is looking ahead to a Midlands title shot in 2009, as the start of a journey that will end with the opportunity to compete for English or British title.

He aims to hit the ground running and keep the Skeldon flag flying.

He said: "I have got to make up for lost time, so this is another step on the ladder to getting back to my peak. Hopefully I can become an even fighter after this fight. Fitness wise, I feel great. I have been training hard every day and I enjoy it.

"I should be having a Midland title shot just after Christmas, hopefully at middleweight. I need another two or three fights and then i'll be ready. If I win that title fight, the English or British strap will be next."

To be there to see Skeldon in action, get your tickets from the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.