BACK IN THE MIX

Returning Nelson warms up for Edwards test, writes Roy Kelly

SOUTH SHIELDS APRIL 28 ★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★ ATMOSPHERE

ANTHONY NELSON is back and in the mix after a triumphant homecoming. The South Shields boxer defeated the game Simas Volosinas over six gripping rounds at a noisy Temple Park Leisure Centre, where Steve Wraith promoted.

It was the first time Nelson had taped up his gloves in exactly two years when he relinquished his Commonwealth super-flyweight title to Jamie Conlan in a thriller. Since then, Nelson endured broken promises, a bout of depression and a significant weight-rise. However, the 32-year-old has returned, fit and focused, and now has a significant opportunity up next: Charlie Edwards in Newcastle on June 16.

Nelson warmed up for this huge test by convincingly outpointing Volosinas, referee Graeme Williams scoring it 60-53. Nelson connected with a right bang on the button in the opener, the Lithuanian touching the canvas with his right glove. He took a count but survived the rest of the bout against a dominant Nelson.

Thornaby’s gifted Joe Maphosa

stopped debutant Steven Maguire

at 2-50 of the fourth and final round. Manchester’s Maguire proved a worthy opponent, moving well only for a right hand to floor him in the fourth. The southpaw was straight up, but he was halted by referee Ron Kearney just shy of the last bell after being jolted by a head combination.

South Shields’ Sam Menzies

looked lively in outpointing slippery Sheffield operator Anwar Alfadli,

while teammate Paul Gidney

also won 40-36 against Edward Bjorklund, the London-based Swede who landed only one shot. Mr Williams refereed both.

Lawrence Osueke took a 40-36 win from Mr Kearney. Latvia’s Jevgenijs Andrejevs was adept at clowning around but barely laid a glove on the North Shields man.

THE VERDICT Nelson needed six good rounds and got them.