Luke Blackledge aims to thrust himself back into title contention when he returns to action on Saturday night.

The Accrington super-middleweight has only fought once since taking on Rocky Fielding for the Commonwealth belt last November.

The champion stopped Blackledge in the first round to inflict just the second defeat of his career and the only man Blackledge has faced since is Jody Meikle, claiming a points victory at Colne’s Municipal Hall in April.

Blackledge was due to fight on the same bill as Adam Machaj’s last victory in Bolton on June 7 but it fell through.

However, the 23-year-old’s promoter, Steve Wood of VIP Boxing, has now found Blackledge a spot in Birmingham this weekend, when he faces a four-rounder against Darren McKenna.

Blackledge’s win over Meikle improved his record to 15-2-2 while McKenna has won five and lost 13, but two of those victories came in the last two months.

“In his last two fights he’s beaten two undefeated lads so he’s a tough kid and he comes to win,” said Blackledge.

“But I’ve had a lay-off, I’ve had a good break, and I think it’s a good fight for me.

“I was lucky to get on the show but I’m ready, I’m fit. I’ve been ticking over in the gym, waiting for a date, and one’s come up.”

Blackledge is now being trained by Alex Matvienko at the Elite Gym in Bolton.

And although McKenna has fought six times since Blackledge’s defeat by Fielding, the Accrington hitter is confident he will stay on track.

“I got a good six rounds under my belt (against Meikle) and after I get this win then hopefully I’ll be fighting for titles again,” Blackledge added.

“I’ve changed camps. I’ve been working on different techniques and doing boxing-specific training, so I’m ready.”

Meanwhile, ADAM MACHAJ’s next fight has been confirmed for the King George’s Hall on September 6. The 26-year-old, nicknamed ‘the Heatseeker’, will star on a bumper night as professional boxing makes a long-awaited return to the Blackburn venue.

The Oswaldtwistle heavyweight is set to feature alongside fellow unbeaten Lancashire boxers Shayne Singleton, Qasim Niaz and AJ Faizy. Machaj’s opponent – and the rest of the bill – is yet to be confirmed.

Tickets are available on Facebook from Grant Townsend of Heatseeker Pro Boxing, on Twitter from @Team_Heatseeker or you can call Grant on 07961 789 526.