LOCAL fighters enjoyed a successful weekend from South Wales to New South Wales, writes Michael Pearlman.

Newport’s Lee Churcher continued his rehabilitation in and out of the boxing ring, securing a second successive victory since his release from prison.

The former Welsh Area and British Masters middleweight champion dropped Andrejs on the way to a comfortable 40-35 victory on the referee’s card on a Vaughan Boxing bill.

The 34-year old is enjoying a true Indian Summer in his career, on a six fight winning streak, though he could find his title opportunities limited as he continues to compete under the jurisdiction of the Malta Boxing Commission.

Churcher’s British Boxing Board of Control licence is suspended due to his imprisonment in January 2013 after he admitted conspiring to supply cocaine. He served 21 months and won’t be eligible for a BBBoC licence until his probation period is complete in January 2017.

It was also a good weekend down under for two Welshman now living and fighting in Australia.

Former Team Calzaghe member Kerry Hope recorded the first win of his career in the Southern Hemisphere after emigrating, enjoying a first round victory over Jamed Jalarante.

The 33-year-old southpaw needed just two minutes and 42 seconds of the opening round to win with just the second stoppage of his career.

After ending 14 months of inactivity, the Welshman already has another date lined up in just four weeks. XCite Fight Promotions will stage Hope’s bid to add the WBO Asia Pacific belt to his trophy cabinet, which also includes a European title, when he faces Michael Zerafa on June 19 (courtesy of Boxingwales.com).

Meanwhile in New South Wales, another Welshman was in action as Cwmcarn’s Jamie Weetch recorded the best win of his career.

Weetch, who has only ever fought professionally in Australia, out-pointed Wade Ryan in his hometown of Gunnedah over eight rounds in the super-middleweight division.

Weetch won Welsh ABA titles at youth and schoolboy level and seems to be thriving under the guidance of Justin Lacey. He’s won his three successive fights including a West Australia State title.