Nine months after receiving a knock-out blow - Chatham’s Tom Dallas is back.

The 6ft 6in heavyweight (pictured) is determined to return his name into the limelight and comes up against the vastly experienced Matt Skelton on Saturday night.

Skelton is a former British, Commonwealth and European champion, who in his prime fought for the world title.

Dallas hasn’t boxed since receiving a second round KO from his stablemate David Price in a hastily-arranged British title eliminator in June.

He had won his previous 15 fights but had less than a week to prepare for Price. Now he is ready to return.

Dallas said: "I’ve been busy in the gym since November. I’ve been trying to put on a bit of weight and I was doing six days a week on the weights."

Dallas will be almost a stone heavier than when he fought last time, tipping the scales at just over 17 stone.

"I feel good and comfortable with the weight and it should mean I am now more powerful," said the 26-year-old.

"I am feeling fit and stronger than ever. For me this will be the biggest fight I’ve had. I know I fought Price but I didn’t have time to prepare for that one, so personally I feel this is the big one for me. If I get a win I’ll be right back up there."

Victory could put Dallas in line for a shot at the English title, which is soon to be vacated by Price.

On the same bill Chatham's Joe Elfidh puts his six-fight unbeaten record on the line when he faces Joe Hughes in a light welterweight contest.

Elsewhere, Minster's Dan Woodgate aims for a fifth straight win as he fights Latvian southpaw Jevgenjis Andrejevs at the Troxy, London on Friday night in a light heavyweight bout.