The next few weeks will see plenty of action involving some of the region's favourite boxers.

First up will be Havering-atte-Bower cruiserweight Dominic Negus, who will battle it out with Kevin Mitchell for the vacant Southern Area title on Thursday, February 18 at The Broadway Theatre, Barking.

It was back in October when the pair last met, Negus being forced to retire on his stool after suffering from head pains and dizziness.

Naturally, Negus is keen to regain the title he took from Chris Henry, but lost in April 1998 when Bruce Scott proved to be too powerful on the night.

Lenny Butcher, Negus's trainer, is confident his man will do better this time out against Mitchell. It is important he does if he is to get his career back on track.

Hornchurch light middleweight Clive Johnson, Stepney lightweight Adam Spelling, and West Ham super featherweight Gary Steadman will also be on this bill.

Telephone 0181 517 4070 or 07970 273721 for ticket details of what promises to be an entertaining evening of boxing.

Meanwhile, Matchroom boxers are lined up for action in Coventry and Bethnal Green.

Their promoter Barry Hearn returned to his desk on Monday after being hospitalised with chest pains a couple of weeks ago.

No doubt good performances from Georgie Smith, Richard Evatt, Darren Bruce, Jason Ratcliff, Michael Ayers and Marc P. Callaghan would be just what the doctor ordered to complete his recovery.

Evatt and Bruce will be in action at the Coventry Sports Centre on Friday, February 26, Evatt defending his featherweight WBO Inter Continental title, and welterweight Bruce in a six-rounder.

Opponents for each man have yet to be finalised.

The action switches to York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday, March 12 when lightweight Michael Ayers will top the bill, supported by welterweight Georgie Smith, middlewight Jason Ratcliff, featherweight Marc P. Callaghan and, possibly, Richard Evatt.

Ayers will face Columbian Luis Flores for the vacant IBO title. Evatt, if he is on the bill, will be defending his title, and Smith, Callaghan, Ratcliff and Callaghan will be in six-rounders, again with their opponents yet to be finalised.

For ticket information, telephone 01708 782208.

Last time out . . . Dominic Negus, right, faces Kevin Mitchell last October at the Broadway Theatre, Barking.

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