PHIL Williams makes a surprise return to the whitecollar boxing scene on Saturday night at Neilson Promotions’ latest show.

The popular heavyweight boxer recently turned his back on the whitecollar scene in order to pursue a career in the amateurs but he will now defend his Neilson Promotions’ heavyweight title against Rich Loveday.

According to promoter Mark Neilson, Williams just couldn’t resist making a comeback.

“Phil obviously decided to go and have a go at the amateurs but he then told us he’d had a change of heart.

“I think he missed the whitecollar and after all he is still the heavyweight champion and I think he couldn’t resist the temptation to come back and defend his title.

“We originally had Rich (Loveday) scheduled to face Paul Fletcher in a eliminator for a heavyweight title, and with Phil deciding to go down the amateur route, it left a bit of a void in the heavyweight scene.

“Phil is the one to beat - he’s our heavyweight champion and he is a the recent prizefighter champion.

“We were disappointed to lose him to the amateurs but now we are pleased that he has had a change of heart.

“Rich has improved lately, he is on a good run of form and has stopped his last couple of opponents.”

Challenger Loveday described Williams as the “best whitecollar heavyweight in the area” but is relishing the chance to cause an upset.

“Phil is the best whitecollar heavyweight in the area and he has proved this by becoming both Swindon Fight Club Prizefighter Champion, and the Neilson Promotions' Champion,” said Loveday.

“I have the utmost respect for Phil, he is a really nice guy and the better boxer out of us two, but on the night I will just be coming in and throwing bombs.

“I am ready for this one.”

Loveday has faced Williams previously, losing to him in the Swindon Fightclub Prizefighter event but claims his rival will face a different beast this time around.

“Last time I got into the ring with Williams I was not in shape,” admitted Loveday. “It was during the prizefighter competition and I did not expect to go that far.

“So when I got through to face Phil, I wasn’t ready for it.

“But that was a completely different fight. This time he will be getting punched when he gets into the ring and he will be eating some bombs.”

Loveday also claimed the fact he has “nothing to lose” makes him a dangerous opponent for Williams, whose whitecollar record shows 16 wins and just one defeat.

“I have nothing to lose and will hopefully be winning the title,” added Loveday. “I know I am the underdog but I have never been stopped before or been knocked down, and I am coming into this one with three wins behind me. I know Phil would love to stop me but he is not going to stop me.

“It will be an interesting fight.

“I have been training hard over the last six weeks, and this included another win for me as I defeated a guy in Jersey who weighed 21 stone.

“I have been doing more interval/circuit training this time round, and I have been doing all of my training in Scrappers Gym.

“I want to thank the Neilsons for giving me this opportunity, and I also want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Tickets cost £20 standard, £40 ringside (including VIP bar access, buffet and queue jump) and £60 each for a ringside table (£550 if booking a whole table of 10) which includes a waitress served three-course meal.

Call 01793 833468 to purchase tickets. Doors open at 6.30pm.