LES Byfield has a secret weapon he intends to put to full use when he returns to action at the Venue in Dudley on Saturday night.

Byfield, from Netherton, has benefitted from extra coaching as he prepares to get his year up and running, writes Craig Birch.

He’s trained under the watchful eye of respected Black Country boxing figure Ronnie Brown, who has led several champions from the area.

The now retired Brown has worked with him and trainer Jason Astley at the Golden Gloves School of Boxing in Cradley Heath.

Byfield said: “We’re working on little things all of the time, we’ve had Ronnie down and he’ll tell me something to do, we get that right and we move on.

“He could just baffle your brain, he knows so much about boxing, he’s got me compact and not sticking my chin out. I’m going into a shell and letting my hands go, at the same time.”

He now feels better than ever ahead of his second super featherweight six-rounder, which will come against Alec Bazza.

The Northern Irishman is winless in 35 attempts, but is strong and aggressive. He’s seen the distance 31 times out of that.

Byfield, aged 30, will reach double figures for pro outings after they touch gloves and has lost just once in nine, a points setback against the capable Reece Smith on his debut.

‘The Minefield’ has dropped just one round since, to Andy Harris after a slow start over that first time over six. He ran out a 59-57 victor on points. He’s scored one TKO, too.

He said: “It’s good to be going back, I’ve good memories of the Venue and it would be nice to get a TKO again. That’s my best memory of boxing as a pro.

“I don’t really look at opponents, I leave that to my coach, but in the first couple of rounds I’ll stay safe and see what he’s about.

“If he does keep coming forward, I’m happy enough to keep back and pick him off. You do whatever takes it to win."

The event will also see Tividale's Ryan 'Stewart' Davies will take on experienced Chris Adaway.

Danny Ball, from Kingswinford, laces on the gloves in Dudley for the first time since his pro bow last July and will face veteran James Gorman

The card is completed by Brummie super lightweight Kane Baker against Michael Mooney. Both they and Ball are scheduled for four. Tyler Denny and Humza Ali no longer feature.

Tickets, priced at £35 or £50 ringside by calling 07976 283 157.