JOSH Mellor, the Cardigan cruiserweight boxer who came from nowhere to claim a Welsh title in 2023, will headline Cardigan ABC’s first home show in seven years at Crymych Leisure Centre on Friday, February 9, the Tivyside can reveal.

The 24-year-old puncher, who has made remarkable progress under Cardigan ABC head coach Guy Croft, spearheads a new wave of Cardi boxers who have remained in training over the festive period in preparation for the big night.

The club has previously staged extremely well-supported and successful shows at Crymych – home of Commonwealth Games champion Ioan Croft and bronze medallist Garan Croft.

“We’re hoping to put on 12-15 bouts – the majority of them featuring Cardigan boxers,” Guy told the Tivyside. “We have one of the best line-ups in the gym than we have had for years – and I reckon next year will be even better.

“We have boxers matched across from across the board – ranging from a 10-year-old schoolgirl to a 31-year-old senior.”

Other home boxers expected to be in action are unbeaten Eglwyswrw schoolboy Dyfan Lewis and comebacking Cardigan veteran Billy Myers.

“We can finally announce that we are having a 'Home Show' on Friday, February 9 at Canolfan Hamdden Crymych/Crymych Leisure Centre,” a post of the club’s Facebook page reads.

“We already have the venue & ring sponsorship covered, but are now looking for interest in bout or boxer sponsorship.

“Please contact any of the Croft family or message/comment here & we'll get back to you. Thanks/Diolch.”

A further message reads: “We're overwhelmed with all the local support! Our boxers are on shows almost every weekend and will continue to train throughout the festive period.”

It was back in May when Mellor sensationally won a Welsh light-heavyweight senior title – less than a year after taking up the sport.

The Cardigan fighter topped the national 86kg class by beating Gurdas Singh (Somerton Rascals) on a unanimous decision at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens to complete a meteoric rise in the sport.

Mellor had launched his title campaign by overcoming Craig Wilford (Caerau Ely) on a unanimous decision in the quarter-finals before adding the scalp of Jordan John (Cwmavon Hornets) by another unanimous decision in the semis.