BOXER Chris Preece said it was fantastic to be able entertain his home crowd after returning from injury.

Preece sustained a cut to the head during a fight against Dan Bent in Donnington in November before sustaining soft tissue damage in his foot while running a month later.

But the Ludlow boxer is now back in action and was named best club boxer after beating Emeralds Boxing Club’s Leo Swinfen during a spectacular dinner show at Ludlow Racecourse.

“This is my fifth week back training and, even though I’m not as fit as I should be, I’m back now,” said Preece.

“It was a good win and a good, hard fight.

“There was really good talent here. I just want to keep going now and get a few more wins and maybe try for a belt again.

“I was supposed to fight for a belt in November, but got cut which put me out of action.”

Preece was one of six Ludlow Amateur Boxing Club members who fought on the night.

Chadd Woodfield also put on a good show, narrowly overcoming Callum Belt of Tamworth by a split decision.

“In the last round, I thought I would have him, but he’s a good kid and kept going,” said Woodfield.

“It was close, but I think I just nabbed it in the last round.”

Woodfield has now fought in 36 fights despite being just 15.

But he said he liked competing.

“I try and get as many fights as possible, but the more I have means there are less people to fight against,” he said.

“But in the championships, you can fight anyone in the country.

“If you enjoy something, you keep at it.”

James Key also successfully won his bout, beating Tom Beech from Hereford Boxing Academy by unanimous decision.

“I tried to keep my range and thought I would go for it by unloading some shots, which worked in the end,” said Key.

“I stuck to my game plan for the first couple of rounds but in the third round, I thought I would get rid of my energy.”

Other Ludlow boxers who fought were Sam Hartley, who was declared best senior boxer at Ludlow despite losing against Shane Shield, and George Sloan, who lost to Wolverhampton’s Kyle Salve.

Max Weaver, 10, opened the show with a skills bout against Braunstone’s Mason Bown.

Around 200 people paid on the door to watch the action, while more than 120 fans sat for dinner.

One of those attending was Craig Morris, a Ludlow boxer who will will make his debut as a professional at Walsall Town Hall on April 25.

Morris said he was impressed with the talent on show.

“It’s always nice to come back and I always watch the show,” said Morris.

“I like all the lads here and they always come to support me, so it’s nice to have that link.”

Morris is due to go in front of the boxing board this Sunday, but does not know who he will face on his debut.

“I started at the club in Ludlow and had a few amateur fights before going into the championships. I’ve always said I wanted to have a go at being a professional ever since I was 16, so I’m glad I’ve taken the step now.

Ludlow Amateur Boxing Club chairman Colin Woodfield said he wanted to thank everyone who organised the event.

“We’re trying to push the club forward as a team and if we all pull together, I think we’ll get there in the end,” he said.

“We had about 122 people who dined and I think close to 200 on the door.

“We’re trying to make it a lot more entertaining for people.

“I thank everyone who took over and helped the show, especially my wife Sharon who was secretary for the first time.”

The next dinner show will take place at the same venue in October.