MICHAEL Pardoe made a successful return to the ring after a frustrating year by defeating Dudley's Martin Gordon on Friday night.

Pardoe, nicknamed 'Buller', missed the whole season with a series of small injury problems but signalled his return to form with a resounding victory during Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club's tournament at Stoke Prior Sport and Country Club.

The welterweight, aged 18, showered the vastly experienced Gordon, 25, with a series of powerful body blows throughout the three rounds to win a clear points victory.

Coach Chris Andrews said: "What a way for Michael to make a comeback!

"He's missed a lot of boxing but looks like he's hungry for more success."

Middleweight Alex Strutt, 22, made a mockery of his novice status by out pointing the more experienced Alec McCready.

Droitwich's Matt Greening had been set to face McCready, who reached the final of the national novice championships in 2004, but Strutt was thrust into the fight after his clubmate pulled out through an ankle injury.

However, it was Strutt who dictated the fight and went onto win the bout with a comfortable points total.

Light heayweight Dave Jenvey, 20, was narrowly beaten on points in a bruising bout against Aston's James Ingram.

Jenvey, who had lost to Ingram in March, showed heart to push his stylish opponent all the way.

Sam Gorman, 16, showed he had lost none of his ability, despite a three-year break from boxing, to beat Swindon's Ben Smith.

Michael Mongan, 15, continued his good end of season form by comfortably overcoming Bridgewater fighter Keith Hawkins on points.

Tom Green, 15, lost his fight to Phil White on a split decision, while 11-year-old Jordan Fox lost to Gloucester's Luke Carter.

Andrews was full of praise for the performance of his boxers.

He said: "Pardoe, Strutt and Jenvey in particular made this a truly memorable end-of-season show.

"If we can maintain this squad into next season we will be a formidable force in amateur boxing, and with a number of keen newcomers coming through the future looks rosy."

Several other DABC fighters though were denied a chance to strutt their stuff in the ring.

Anthony Bonehill and Robin McDermott's opponents were pulled out of match up by fight officials because of overdue medicals.

Sean Donnelly and Brett Fidoe also were left with no one to fight after their opponents pulled out because of the flu.