Lloyd's super return to ring

Mark Lloyd last night reignited his boxing career in Birmingham.

Lloyd, a former Midlands Area champion and 'Prizefighter' semi-finalist, had been out of the ring since last April's defeat against red-hot prospect Jamie Cox in a fight that he led going into the last round.

He has since set up his own plumbing business, MRL Plumbing Services, and blamed his busy workload for his absence from the ring.

But the 34 year-old from Shifnal has decided he has another year left to pursue his boxing ambitions and last night's impressive points win over Matt Scriven means he has more big fights to look forward to.

Lloyd dominated the four-round fight, but was left frustrated by a cut between his eyes suffered when heads came together in the third round.

The wound needed six stitches and means Lloyd will not be able to spar for six weeks and manager Errol Johnson will spend that time trying to secure a match with unbeaten Mark Thompson or possibly a rematch with Cox.

Lloyd admits the memory of that loss has inspired his return.

"I was going to retire," he admitted, "but I was thinking about that fight every day."

"Cox is supposed to be a great prospect and I was beating him. That fight showed what I can do and I had to come back and have another go."

Lloyd's re-think was the right decision judging by last night's sparkling display.

Scriven, from Nottingham, stepped in at late notice after Alex Spitko withdrew.

Despite his lengthy lay off, Lloyd settled quickly and after he dominated the opening round, the action became more competitive in the second.

At the bell, Lloyd came under fire from a two-fisted attack, but kept away from the blows and found the gaps in Scriven's defences to drive his punches through.