MALMESBURY light-welterweight Joe Hughes is hoping to put his injury troubles behind him and finally get back on track in the pro ranks when he returns to the ring in March.

The 22-year-old, who trains at Paddy John’s Gym in Bristol, is back in action on March 9 at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon.

In October 2011, Hughes tore cartilage in his left wrist in training and in December last year, a recurrence of that problem forced him to pull out of his clash with the unbeaten Paul Archer in Liverpool.

But the Malmesbury man is hoping that his injury worries are a thing of the past as he strives to breathe new life into his fight career.

“When I first hurt my wrist I was out for months but this time it was only a few weeks,” said Hughes.

“I’ve been told the cartilage will never properly repair itself so I’ve just got to manage it.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring because I just want to be as busy as possible. I’ve sat around for too long and I want to be challenging for a title by the end of the year.

“I don’t know who I’ll be fighting yet but I want the best opponent possible.”

Tickets for the March 9 bill in Swindon cost £35 and can be purchased from Hughes on 07848 454570.