BLACKWOOD boxer Craig Evans is determined to bring the WBO European lightweight belt back to Wales after tonight’s rematch with Thomas Stalker in Manchester.

The pair fought a brutal all-out war at the Manchester Arena in October, which the judges declared a draw.

After 10 pulsating rounds of action – and a controversial knockdown of Stalker in the ninth round that was ruled a slip – the judges scored it 96-94 to Evans, 97-93 to Stalker and 95-95.

And now they are set to do battle once again to finally decide a winner at the same venue.

“I’m looking forward to it; I’m buzzing,” said Evans.

“I’m confident, more than last time, because I know I’ve trained hard and put the work in and I’m feeling fit and sharp.

“There’s no chance I won’t be coming back with the belt.

“If I don’t get the stoppage I’ll definitely win on points this time.”

St Joseph’s star Evans won his first 14 bouts as a professional before losing a British title fight to Scott Cardle in May this year and drawing the original clash with Stalker in October.

“I started well in that fight but I tired as it went on,” he explained.

“I don’t know why that was but my Nan had died a few days before and some people said that affected me.

“It’s no excuse but I know I’m prepared even more this time – I’ve put more miles in on the road and more hours on the bags.”

He added: “I’ve got loads of friends and family coming to watch me and I want to give them all an early Christmas present by winning the title.

“My girlfriend Jade will be there as well screaming her head off at ringside.

“We’re expecting our first baby in March and I want him or her to be able to hold my belt after their born.”

Fellow Welshman Liam Williams, who is trained by Cwmbran’s Gary Lockett, is also on the bill.

The unbeaten 23-year-old from Church Village returns to the ring after 13 months out with a finger injury as he defends his Commonwealth super-welterweight title against Scotland’s Kris Carslaw, with the vacant British title also on the line.

The headline fights are Andy Lee v Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO world middleweight title and Liam Smith v Jimmy Kelly for the WBO world super-welterweight belt.