GREENOCK Boxing Club's Martin Harkin will make his return to the ring when he takes on European welterweight champion Michael McKinson next month.

The 28-year-old faces the highly-rated Portsmouth puncher, who is ranked third in Britain's welterweight division behind Amir Khan and world title holder Josh Kelly, in a 10-round contest.

The bout will be held behind closed doors on October 18 in South Kirkby at Production Park Studios, which is currently being used as a makeshift boxing venue while fans aren't allowed to attend events.

However, fight fans will be able to watch the action with the show being beamed live on Youtube channel iFL TV and ESPN+.

Trainer Danny Lee told the Tele: "McKinson is number three in Britain so if Martin wins this it will put him up for a British title fight.

"He's an awkward southpaw and it will be a real test for Martin. There's nothing at stake at the moment but he's joint top on the bill.

"He's been sparring with Lewis Ritson, who won a WBA Inter-Continental title, and Dean Sutherland, who is a good southpaw, so the preparations have gone well so far."

Meanwhile, young boxers returned to training after the Bawhirley Road base was allowed to re-open last month.

Danny said: "The boys are in charge of sanitising the equipment after they used it, so it gives them a bit of responsibility.

"The boxers have been training hard but it's difficult because, with no shows, they don't have a target to aim for. That's something they always need."