PROFESSIONAL boxing returns to Dudley later this summer with the heat set to get turned on hometown favourite Les Byfield in his first six-rounder.

Byfield steps up from four for the first time at the Venue, High Street, come fight night on Saturday, August 5, writes Craig Birch.

‘The Minefield’ is working up to his first title fight and a test over six gets the ball rolling, before he targets a British Challenge or even a Midlands belt.

The 30-year-old super featherweight, who is from Netherton, will be full of confidence after scoring a first TKO as a pro at the same venue earlier this month.

He removed Russell Midgley in the third, with a relentless barrage of punches in the ropes, to secure an early finish.

The former unlicensed fighter has rebuilt well after losing his paid debut on points and hasn’t dropped a round in seven straight wins since.

Already in the title picture is Rowley Regis’ Tyler Denny, who claimed the British Challenge middleweight crown on that same June 10 same bill.

Denny outpointed Anthony Fox to remain unbeaten after eight contests and has his sights set on a clash for vacant Midlands honours with West Bromwich’s Tom Stokes.

First the 25-year-old will keep busy with a second six-rounder at the Venue, having used his southpaw skills to great effect last time.

Confirmed for the undercard are Brummies Kane Baker and Raza Hamza and debutant Daryl Pearce, subject to British Boxing Board of Control approval.

Baker, from Bartley Green, has racked up four points victories in the welterweight division as a rugged performer who likes to come forward.

Exciting and imposing featherweight Hamza, 25, won a host of national titles for Aston Boxing Club before turning over.

The powerful Hamza has since raced to eight victories as a pro with four stoppages and possesses explosive power.

Pearce, 23 and from Rednall, makes his bow at welterweight after switching over from the unlicenced circuit, where he’s won his last 40 bouts.

Tickets, priced at £35 and £50 ringside with waitress service, are available now by calling 07976 283 157. Alternatively, contact any of the boxers in the home corner on Facebook.