PROFESSIONAL boxing is returning to Southend less than two months after it made its first appearance in 19 years.

British Warriors Boxing Promotions will be hosting its second professional boxing event at the Skylark Hotel on Saturday.

Three of Basildon’s most promising young prospects will be competing at the event, which will get underway at 8pm.

Lewis Adams, a former two time British Universities Champion, BUCS Gatorade winner and a multiple Elite Championships National Medallist, will go head-to-head with Croatian boxer Antonio Horvatic in his second professional contest.

Sam Stokes will return from a brief spell away from the ring with new management as he contests his eighth professional bout.

Stokes will be looking to extend his winning record to seven wins out of eight when he takes on Richard Harrison.

“I’m in a good place right now,” said Stokes.

“I was previously travelling to London to fight and when the opportunity arose to feature in a local professional event I jumped at the chance.

“It makes it so much easier for myself and supporters to be boxing so close to home.”

Joe Stevens, another decorated former amateur boxer from Basildon, will enter his second professional contest against Ghanaian Michael Barnor.

Stevens, who also took a step away from the sport before recently returning with renewed enthusiasm for the sport, will have his work cut out against the Accra-born boxer as Barnor has recorded 10 knockouts from his 14 wins.

Also on the bill will be professional boxing debutant Hannah Rankin against Ester Konečná, who hails from Prague, Czech Republic, in what promises to be a lively affair.

Ryan Charles, a former World Amateur Championships competitor, will also be taking part in his first professional contest in a heavyweight contest against an as yet unknown opponent.

Limited tickets are still available for the show, priced at £35. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the boxers or matchmaker Derek Waddell on 07413 485 481.