KODY Davies made the perfect return to the ring after nine months away, on an emotional night in Leeds for the Welshman and his family.

The Pontllanfraith super-middleweight was fighting for the first time since the sudden death of his sister Jade-Louise at the end of January.

Aged just 30, she suffered a bleed in the brain and never regained consciousness after collapsing at sister Eden’s house.

The Davies family, including dad Kevin and mum Carla Bromley, cheered Kody on to a unanimous points victory over Englishman Harry Matthews.

The six-round contest featured early on the Josh Warrington-Kid Galahad undercard at the First Direct Arena, with Davies going into it boasting an 8-0 pro record.

Taking to the ring wearing a specially made T-shirt paying tribute to his older sister and shorts with her name on, Davies stamped his authority on proceedings for the first bell.

On paper, the 31-year-old Yorkshireman Matthews was a clear second favourite given his unenviable record of 44 defats from 63 outings in the paid ranks.

And the bout went to the form book as Davies won every round and floored his opponent in the last, giving him a 60-53 triumph.

Davies wants a maiden title shot next and is targeting a spot on promoter Frank Warren’s July 13 show at the O2 Arena in London.