TOMMY Ghent is hoping to make a rapid return to the ring after ruthlessly dispatching Jozsef Gerebecz on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Priory Park light middleweight halted the Hungarian in the opening round of their contest at Birmingham’s HMV Institute.

Ghent floored Gerebecz with a blistering right hand and though his opponent survived an intial eight count a further flurry finished the job.

It was an impressive return for Ghent in his first fight for 12 months, though trainer Paul Gough confirmed fans are unlikely to have to wait so long for his next appearance.

He said: “We just want to keep him busy now and he’ll be out again as soon as possible.

“He is totally focused now, he knows what he wants and is in a good place.

“Gerebecz was there because he is durable but Tommy had no trouble taking him out, which is a good sign.

“We were looking for the rounds but sometimes the shots just come and you can’t do much about it.”

Priory’s Ryan Corrigan also had reason to celebrate as he won on his professional debut, beating Imre Nagy 40-37 on points.

The 19-year-old started brightly, landing early with a solid right as he comfortably took the opening round.

But the second and third rounds proved tougher. Corrigan was guilty of leaving himself open, allowing Nagy to connect with a couple of noticeable right hands before re-asserting his dominance in the final round.

Gough admitted Corrigan had suffered with nerves.

He said: “He said it felt very surreal in there, not having the big gloves on and not having the headguard.

“He looked great beforehand but said as soon as the bell went the occasion got to him.

“But it’s out of the way now and I’m sure next time he will not be so nervous.”

There is no time to rest for Gough, who has three fighters appearing at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on March 9 in the shape of Luke Paddock, Lance Brooks and Ricky Summers. Meanwhile another Priory fighter, middleweight Ryan Aston, makes his return on March 22 at Leeds Town Hall.

The Wolverhampton show comes at the conclusion of a special day as the Civic Hall venue celebrates 70 years of hosting professional boxing.

Promoter PJ Rowson has planned an afternoon of festivities which will include memorbilia stalls, interviews with fighters and a cabaret act.

In total 1,170 boxers have fought at the venue and a commemorative medal has been made for everyone, with Rowson hoping as many as possible attend.

He said: “The Civic has been witness to some wonderful shows over the years and some great fighters have appeared there.

“I believe it’s the best small hall boxing venue in the country.

“There are a lot of big names who are hoping to make it on the day.”

For more information and tickets, call 07976 283 157 or the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000.