HEREFORD'S only professional boxer Dean Evans is hoping to continue his winning record in what could be his final home fight.

The 37-year-old lightweight boxer will be competing for the first time in two years at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester next Saturday (May 12).

Also on the card is 21-year-old Ledbury-based super lightweight fighter Alex Florence, who has won his opening four professional bouts.

“It’s a home fight for me which I have every now and then but it has been a good two years since my last one,” said Evans.

“Gloucester is the nearest I can get to a home fight as there is not really professional boxing in Hereford as I’m the only professional fighter so there isn’t enough reason to have a professional show.

“When you are the home fighter you have to sell tickets to pay for you and your opponents wages which makes it hard work.

“The last time I fought there was against Andy Harris in February 2016 in an eight round contest and I have won two out of my two fights at the venue.

“I have also won a few on the road but it’s a lot harder to win on the road."

Evans, who trains at Hereford Lads Club gym, has competed in 29 professional bouts around the country and thinks that the showcase in Gloucester could be his last local fight.

The father of two also works as a parts driver at TM Factors Express Autoparts, who are also helping him promote the event and sell tickets.

“My employers have been really good to me with my boxing and they hadn’t come across many professional boxers before," added Evans

“They allowed me to have some time off a couple of months ago when I fought Ronnie Clarke in Belfast and lost on points to the current IBF European title holder, which he won in his next fight.

“There was a difference in the rankings as he was six or seventh and I am in the 60s and I didn’t know it was the warm-up to his title fight.

“The last fight I had I also lost on points as it is hard to get a result as the away fighter. As long as I’m not getting hurt and I’m going home safe and sound to the kids then I’m happy and still enjoying it.

“I won’t be going on forever and would like to get to 40 but take every fight as it comes. It might be my last home fight due to the hassle of selling tickets.

“If I was fighting in Hereford that wouldn’t be a problem."