South Shields boxing star Anthony Nelson enjoys comeback win on hometown show

Former Commonwealth champion Nelson shook off the ring rust in his first bout since losing his title to Jamie Conlan in a stunning fight to claim a 60-53 points verdict.

It was the perfect warm-up for 'Babyface' as he prepares to face Charlie Edwards for the vacant WBA Continental super flyweight title on the massive Matchroom card at the Metro Radio Arena on June 16.

Nelson, reunited with trainer Mal Gates in his corner, was sharp from the outset and Volosinas took a count of eight after touching down under pressure from the Horsley Hill man.

The Lithuanian was a game opponent and kept Nelson, now 32, on his toes over the six rounds as the pair traded blows up close as the away fighter came on strong in the latter stages.

Nelson, however, avoided any scares to take the verdict and will now turn his attention to Edwards in what will be a major step up in class.

In the other bouts featuring Gates' Shields fighters, Paul Gidney and Sam Menzies both enjoyed comfortable points wins in front of their home fans.

Gidney, in the opening bout of the night, beat Edward Bjorklund 40-36, to get back to winning ways after his controversial defeat last week.

Gidney was always the aggressor against 38-year-old Swedish-born Bjorklund, who was determined not only to survive, but also to entertain and goad Gidney.

The 21-year-old was too good for his opponent, however, winning every round.

Menzies, in just his second professional fight, delighted his home fans by beating Anwar Alfradi.

The Sheffield fighter frustrated Menzies in a scrappy encounter, and showed why he had only been knocked out four times in 75 defeats.

The Horsley Hill youngster, however, was always the better fighter and got the verdict by 40-36.

Elsewhere, Teesside's Joe Maphosa stopped Steven Maguire in the second round of their fight, and Newcastle fighter Lawrence Osueka dominated against Jevgenyis Andrejevs.