Shropshire boxer Keiron Gray gets back in the ring

Shropshire boxer Keiron Gray makes a dramatic return from retirement on Saturday – with an appearance in front of the Sky television cameras.

Gray, from Horsehay in Telford, has dusted off his gloves to face undefeated Dudley puncher Ryan Aston in a middleweight contest on the undercard of the 'Prizefighter' bill at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

The 34-year-old had quit the sport in December 2010 – but is now after some big pay-days, and has promised to stay busy throughout the year.

"I texted my manager Errol (Johnson) saying that I needed a bit of cash and wanted some fights and he's sorted this one out for me," revealed Gray, who hung up his gloves after taking Coseley's Jamie Ball to a draw for the Midlands light middleweight title.

"I've only had four weeks to prepare and it's a tough first one back for me after a year out but I just couldn't turn it down, being on a show like that.

"Ryan has boxed for GB in the amateurs and he's a very good, technical fighter," added the bathroom and kitchen fitter, who is known in fight circles as Slammer.

"There will be six three-minute rounds and I just wish I'd had a bit more time to prepare, but I've always liked a bit of a test."

Win or lose, Gray is determined to ensure that he is back in the ring soon.

"I've still got plenty of fights left in me because I didn't turn pro until relatively late," he added.

"I'm hoping to be a very busy fighter this year and get a lot of fights under my belt.

"I love the sport and I've missed it but the main reason I'm coming back is money. It's all about the pay-days now."

Shifnal's Mark Lloyd is in the eight-strong Prizefighter field who will be vying for the £32,000 prize in Saturday's main event.

Aston, 20, appears on the bill as a 'Prizefighter Prospect' and will start as a hot favourite to ensure Gray's comeback begins on a losing note.