GWENT'S British welterweight contender Bradley Pryce has returned to the Enzo Calza-ghe stable and the management of top promoter Frank Warren's Sports Network.

The Newbridge-born 24-year-old has parted amicably from Risca-based manager Brian Powell and Newport-based trainer Tony Borg after 16 months.

Pryce admitted today: "It was a tough decision to make. I'll miss training at Newport. They have a great bunch of lads there and Tony is a great trainer. I won the Welsh title with him.

"But the past year has ripped me to shreds financially. It has been a nightmare and I have had to do a number of part-time factory jobs to keep going.

"I have gone nine months without a fight and I can't afford to go through that again in my career. "I sat down with Enzo and he told me what he expected and I did want to stay with Sports Network because I believe and hope they can get me the fights I want.

"I am going to give boxing my all and I just hope I have a better year ahead of me, starting with a win over Kevin Anderson in my forthcoming British title eliminator."

The contest against the unbeaten Scot has gone to purse bids and Pryce, winner of twenty of his 25 fights, expects to know soon when and where it will go ahead.

If he wins he will then get a crack at Michael Jennings or Jimmy Vincent, who clash for the vacant British welterweight title at the Reebok Centre, Bolton, on July 16.

Previous manager Powell said of Pryce's decision to move back to the Enzo Calzaghe stable: "It is a sad blow for Tony and myself, but we sat down with Bradley to discuss things in an adult way and we have parted amicably.

"Bradley has been a joy to train and we wish him every success in the future. We hope and believe he will go on to be British champion."

Meanwhile Powell and Borg are still looking after the interests of 19-year-old Cardiff super-featherweight/lightweight Gary Buckland, winner of his only professional fight to date.