BOLTON boxer Alex Matvienko returns to the ring for the first time since his narrow defeat 10-round to Sheffield’s Lee Edwards when he takes on southpaw David Kirk on Saturday night.

Light-middleweight Matvienko, pictured, was unlucky to miss out on the vacant British Masters title in September but is confident of a successful comeback against his Ashton-in-Makerfield opponent at the Blackpool Tower cellar.

“He’s had some good results,” said Matvienko of Kirk. “He’s beaten Matthew Hatton, the brother of Ricky, so he’ll be no pushover.”

Matvienko lost by just one point against Edwards, a one-point deduction for headbutting his opponent early in the bout costing him dear. It was his first defeat in his 14-fight career.

The 30-year-old believed the referee should have inflicted the same punishment on Edwards for a headbutt on him which left him with a cut around the eye.

Matvienko’s fight is one of 10 bouts on the bill. Doors open at 7pm.