PONTYPOOL will host its first professional boxing show tonight in nearly 40 years – and hometown boy Kieran Gething couldn’t be prouder to take his place on the bill.

THE late Johnny Owen was the star attraction on May 10, 1979 when five fights took place at the town’s leisure centre.

Almost four decades on and British Warriors Promotions have brought a pro event to the same venue, albeit in a new building now known as Pontypool Active Living Centre.

Gething, Pontllanfraith’s Kody Davies and St Joseph’s’ Lance Cooksey Jnr are involved tonight, with Swansea’s Chris Jenkins and fellow Welshman Maredudd Thomas also fighting.

And there is a chance for 23-year-old Gething to set the record straight when he goes up against a familiar face in 184-fight journeyman Kevin McCauley.

McCauley was in the opposite corner when Gething made his debut in the paid ranks last November.

The Welshman was convinced he did enough to win the contest in Weston-super-Mare yet judge Lee Cook deemed it a draw.

Gething wants to put that right in tonight’s six-round rematch and he will have plenty of support to help him in his cause.

“It’s obviously nice to be able to put that draw behind me with a win before I move on to fighting for titles,” he said.

“It’s mad that I’m fighting in Pontypool, and I think I could be topping the bill as well which is a nice addition.

“I’m confident and looking forward to putting on a show for everyone because there are a lot of people coming to watch me who want me to do well.

“I’m so proud to have so many people supporting me and pride is the best word to describe how it feels fighting in my hometown.

“Johnny Owen topped the bill the last time boxing was in Pontypool so I’m in some good company.”

Su[per-welterweight Gething has won his last three and is bidding for a fourth win in five in 2017.

Trained by Lyndon James and managed by Jamie Arthur, Gething is hoping to step up a level in 2018, with a possible Welsh or Celtic title challenge on the cards.

Meanwhile, light-heavyweight Davies looks to back-up his debut triumph with a defeat of Lithuanian journeyman Remigijus Ziausys, who has not won a fight in more than five years.

Another journeyman, Fonz Alexander, awaits lightweight Cooksey, who is out to maintain his unbeaten record following three straight successes so far.