Thomas Costello follows Cox's lead

Birmingham's Thomas Costello is looking to follow best mate Jamie Cox in making a statement to the light middleweight division next week.

Costello boxes at Walsall Town Hall on June 4 for the first time in a year, having only been in the ring twice since February 2009.

The unbeaten light middleweight's career has stalled but the chance will come to get himself up and running, against a new foe in Ivars Sedlins.

The 23-year-old Latvian replaces scheduled opponent Tagir Rzaev, a Russian, who is off the bill.

And Costello will be spurred on by the return of fellow Frank Warren fighter Cox to action last week after a year out, impressively stopping West Bromwich's Marcus Portman inside three rounds.

The two share the same gym in Birmingham training under Thomas' dad John and now the same division, after Cox stepped up from welter.

However, both have ruled out ever meeting in the ring, preferring to target the mutual rivals that hold the belts at the weight.

But, for now, all Costello wants to concentrate on is getting back into the swing of things.

He said: "It's done my head in, to be honest, as I am unbeaten and I want to be moving on towards titles because I know I am capable of winning them.

"I am not old, I am 21 and still have plenty of years left in me yet, but I have been out of the ring for a year and want to show people what I can do.

"Me and Jamie are like brothers, we would never fight each other, but we talk a lot about the division and Ryan Rhodes is probably the best fighter.

"I have done a good few rounds in the gym with him and sparred with most of the others like Bradley Pryce, Matthew Hall and Anthony Small.

"I feel like I can move forward now and take them on for titles and I know I will come out on top, I know that for a fact."

For tickets, call promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.