LOCAL hero Kieran Gething settled an old score and four other Welshmen also won as pro boxing made a successful return to Pontypool for the first time since 1979.

Gething, Pontllanfraith’s Kody Davies and Newport-based Lance Cooksey Jnr all impressed with points victories, while Chris Jenkins and Maredudd Thomas did likewise.

For super-welterweight Gething, the show at Pontypool Active Living Centre gave him the chance to beat the man he had controversially drawn with on his debut last November.

And he did just that, winning every round against journeyman Kevin McCauley to claim a 60-54 verdict from referee Reece Carter.

“It felt like I avenged that draw,” said 23-year-old Gething. “It was controversial the first time.

“It was nice to have so many people there on Friday and it’s great to have them all behind you.

“I did a bit of showboating in the first round to get them going a bit.

“I couldn’t believe some of the body shots he was taking – he must have iron for breakfast.

“It wasn’t so much about dominating, it was about performing well.

“I kept in range when I had to and didn’t get drawn into a scrap too often.

“I landed some good shots, it’s just a pity he didn’t fall down.

“Kevin was a gentleman and said how much I’d come on since last year.”

On boxing’s return to his hometown, he added: “It was a good night. They’re trying to bring another show to Pontypool or the surrounding area in the middle of next year.

“It’s untapped here. We’ve got unlicensed shows and my club puts on amateur shows but there haven’t been professional shows.

“People hear about me boxing but think it’s for Wales in the amateurs, so hopefully Friday’s show will raise the profile a bit more.”

Light-heavyweight Davies was taking part in just his second professional bout following an explosive debut in Swansea in October.

There was no knockout on this occasion but Gavin Rees-trained Davies, 23, had too much for Lithuanian banger Remigijus Ziausys, taking all four rounds.

Meanwhile, Cooksey, 27, bagged a fourth straight win to maintain his 100 per cent record, and he too won every round against Fonz Alexander, who has now lost his last 20.