NEWPORT’S Jerome Samuels is set to defend his Welsh super-welterweight title in Newport next month almost exactly a year after he won the belt.

The 21-year-old beat Blackwood’s Dai Jones on points to claim his first title at the Newport Centre on March 14 last year.

And Samuels, who has not fought since, returns to the ring on March 13 when he defends the title against Ferndale’s Barrie Jones at the same venue.

Samuels, the son of former Welsh and IBF Inter-Continental super-welterweight champion Paul, is now trained by Steve Sims at his Alway gym following a run of five successive wins with Richie Garner.

Headlining the Sanigar Events bill are cruiserweights Craig Kennedy and Wadi Camacho, who face each other over ten rounds following their explosive meeting in October.

The chief support comes courtesy of St Joseph’s middleweight Frankie Borg, who takes on Chris Ware in a Welsh title fight.

Cefn Fforest’s Robbie Turley and Newport’s Adam Goldsmith will also be in action, along with Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Nathan Thorley who makes his professional debut.

The headline fights will be screened live on Eurosport. Tickets start from £30 and are available by calling Sanigar Events on 01179 496699.

Sims, a former British featherweight champion, has been putting Samuels through his paces alongside a group of local soldiers, who are getting fit with circuit training sessions every week at Alway.

Sims is also busy preparing his Alway amateur boxers for a special show in Newport.

The amateur showcase, postponed from before Christmas, takes place at St Patrick’s Hall on Saturday, February 28.

The England v Wales match is being staged in conjunction with Llanrumney Phoenix ABC and will also feature fighters from Swindon.

Tickets will be available on the door priced at £15 or from Sims on 07761 965416.