JONNY Rocco returns to action on Friday night after nearly five months out of the ring.

The Bolton boxer takes on Arek Malek in Glasgow on the undercard of Paul Appleby’s televised British featherweight clash with Esham Pickering.

The 26-year-old part-time postman has not fought since beating Russell Pearce back in June. But now, under new management, the light-welterweight is eager to make up for lost time against the experienced Pole.

“It’s going to be a tough fight but I’m really looking forward to it,” said Rocco, who has just one blemish on his 12-fight record. “Arek has fought some of the top British names, including David Barnes and Colin Lynes, and proved a real handful.

“It’s been a while since I fought for one reason or another, but my new manager, Tommy Gilmour, has promised me seven or eight fights next year, so I’ll be a lot busier.”

If Rocco can impress against journeyman Malek, who has won just five of his 24 contests, in front of the cameras his bout could be shown live on Sky’s Friday Fight Night.

“I’ve been told if it’s a good fight there a chance they may show it,” he said. “I’ve got my fingers crossed but the most important thing is I win and produce a good display. Anything else is a bonus.”

Withins School Club’s Ben Sheedy, aged 19, will take on Wellington’s Daniel Johnson in a 69kg showndown at the Senior Novice Championships under-10 fights quarter-finals on Sunday. In the under-20 section, Bolton Elite’s Yasser Arif has been handed a bye into the next round in the 51kg category.

Sheedy’s club-mate, Chris Blinkhorn, enjoyed a unanimous points decision decision against Midlands champion U Malik in Longton, Stoke in midweek.The talented youngster is back in action in the Isle of Man tomorrow night against Ireland’s Paddy Barnes, who won Olympic bronze in Beijing. Withins’ Danny Boswell is also on the bill.