MICHAEL Gomez tops the bill as boxing returns to the Colne Municipal Hall tonight.

The ‘Irish Mexican’, who famously knocked down Amir Khan before losing their explosive Commonwealth lightweight title fight last year, takes on American Rob Newbiggin.

The colourful fighter, who has won 38 of his 48 fights, is based out of the Maree Leisure gym in Gisburn where he also trains a number of local boxers.

One of them, Danny Myers Junior, a former English judo schoolboy champion, was due to make his boxing debut and follow in the fighting footsteps of grandad Bert and dad Danny Senior.

However, the fight was cancelled at short notice as Myers opponent failed to make the weight limit.

“I am disappointed because I trained very hard to get in to shape,” said Myers who has also represented Great Britain in the martial art. “Boxing is in the family but now I will have to wait to make my debut.”

But local interest comes from Thai Boxing champion brothers, Lee and Wayne Bennett, from Burnley, and Daniel McKenzie and Anthony Smith, both from Clitheroe.

Doors open at 7pm with the first of 13 bouts starting from 8pm. Tickets are priced £30 and are available on the door.