A HAND injury has forced former Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion Jamie Arthur to pull out of tomorrow night’s Merthyr Leisure Centre boxing show.

The 36-year-old from Cwmbran ended a three-year absence from the sport in Newport in October.

A new look Arthur, who retired in 2012 employed a slick style to out-box Croatian Antonio Horvatic over six rounds.

And he was hoping that another good win on the Sanigar Events show would put him back in line for a title tilt this year but he will have to wait to continue his ring return.

Top of the bill in Merthyr will be hometown favourite Dai Davies, who takes on Georgia’s Giorgi Gachechiladze.

Davies returns to action at the same venue where he triumphantly defended the Welsh featherweight title against Cefn Fforest fighter Robbie Turley in 2014.

He only boxed once in 2015, losing controversially on points to Josh Wale, and he hopes a win in March will see him back in the picture for a shot at the Commonwealth title.

Mountain Ash's unbeaten prospect Tony Dixon will be hoping for a breakout year and a chance to showcase his all-action style.

Former amateur star Morgan Jones and heavyweight hope Dorian Darch, both from Aberdare, will also be in action.

And unbeaten prospects Richard Canning and Kyle Jones continue their progression through the professional ranks.

Promoter Chris Sanigar said: “It's great to be back in Merthyr after three successful shows in 2014.

“The valleys are steeped in boxing history and with the new generation of talent coming through we will look to bring big time boxing here on a regular basis.”

Tickets cost £30 for unreserved seating, £40 for ringside, while £50 and £60 VIP table tickets with hot food and waitress service with drinks are also available from the box office on 0117 949 6699. Visit westcountryboxing.com for more details.