BLACKWOOD boxer Craig Evans is set to fight for the Welsh lightweight title after Christmas following his latest impressive victory.

The unbeaten 24-year-old comfortably beat Spaniard Adoni Alonso in Liverpool last weekend to record his 11th straight victory since turning professional.

Evans, who trains with Tony Borg at his St Joseph’s gym in Newport, sustained a bad cut after a clash of heads in the fourth round of eight but still won 79-74 on points.

“I’ve got eight stitches but I’m happy because it’s another win on my record,” said Evans.

“It was a bit scrappy but a win is a win and even though he made things awkward for me I still won the fight pretty comfortably in the end.

“Now I’m 11-0 and it looks like I’m going to get a Welsh title shot in February so I’m delighted.”

After two wins over eight rounds, Evans feels the time is right to move up to ten and challenge for his first belt.

“I’m ready for the step up now,” he said. “I’ve had some good wins and I feel I’m ready to go up to that next level and claim a title.

“My eye is healing already and I’m still doing my running,” he added.

“Then after Christmas I’ll be back in the gym and hopefully the Welsh title fight will be confirmed for sometime in February.”

Newport’s Jerome Samuels and Cefn Fforest’s Robbie Turley have both been forced to withdraw from Friday night’s Warrior Promotions Fright Night show at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

But there is still plenty of entertainment on offer with Cardiff fighters Craig Kennedy, Francis Luke Robinson, Peter Ashton, Romeo Romaeo and Mountain Ash welterweight Tony Dixon all in action.

Heavyweight Kennedy tops the bill as he takes on Lithuanian Rolandas Cesna for the International Masters title.

On the undercard light-welterweight Robinson, son of former world champion Steve, takes on Matthew Ashmole over four rounds.

Ashton faces Tom Price, also at light-welter, while 18-year-old super-featherweight Romaeo fights Chuck Jones and Dixon is up against Danny Murphy, all over four rounds.

Meanwhile, legendary trainer Enzo Calzaghe will be signing copies of his autobiography A Fighting Life, co-written with Argus sports writer Michael Pearlman, at ASDA on Longwood Drive, Cardiff, from 11am on Saturday.