WELTERWEIGHT Dale Evans – the Welshman involved in the fight that resulted in the death of Mike Towell last September – has joined the ranks at St Joseph’s Boxing Club in Newport.

The Carmarthenshire-born 25-year-old will now be trained by Tony Borg at St Joes after making the move from Gary Lockett’s stable in Cardiff.

It is understood that Cwmbran’s Lockett, who coaches the likes of unbeaten European super-welterweight champion Liam Williams, is to remain as Evans’ manager.

Under the guidance of Borg and his coaching team, Evans will be looking to make his return to the ring for the first time since the tragic events of last autumn.

The West Walian, now living in Magor, was taking on Scotland’s Towell in a British title eliminator at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on September 29 when tragedy struck.

Having been knocked down in the first round, Towell was floored again in the fifth before referee Victor Loughlin stopped the contest.

Towell was carried away from the ring on a stretcher and taken to hospital but passed away the following day after suffering severe bleeding and swelling to the brain.

“Dale is training with us now,” said Borg. “He messaged me and asked if we could have a chat.

“We met up and talked, and I said we should see how he fits into the gym, so he came and did a couple of sessions, got on with all the boys, and we made it permanent.

“He’s going to train here and Gary (Lockett) is still going to be his manager as far as I know.

“It has been a difficult time for Dale but I think he is looking to get back into it now.”

Evans, who goes by the nickname ‘Big Boy’, has won 12, lost three and drawn two of his 17 fights in the paid ranks since turning professional in 2011.

After winning four and drawing one of his opening five contests, Evans secured two victories to reach the final of the welterweight Prizefighter tournament in January 2013.

He lost to Glenn Foot on a split decision but was unbeaten in five of his next six outings to set up a showdown with the then British and Commonwealth champion Sam Eggington.

Despite sending his opponent to the canvas in the second round, the Welshman was overpowered during the remainder of the fight and comfortably outpointed.