Light middleweight Gary "Hot Stuff" Woolcombe realized a career ambition by winning the British title in December of last year but a first defense against former champion Ryan Rhodes in April saw the 26 year old lose his grip on the domestic crown when KO'd in the ninth round.

It was a shattering moment for the double glazer but Woolcombe has returned stronger and better equipped to deal with the top men of the 154 pound division as he makes an appearance this Friday evening on the undercard of Scott Woolford vs. Tom Glover at London's historic York Hall on Friday, November 15, 2008.

After spending the last seven months sitting on the sidelines, the longest break of his career, Woolcombe, 25-2 (10), will be brought back slowly as he faces seasoned Nottingham middleweight Matt Scriven, 13-41 (1), who was stopped by Woolcombe previously in four rounds in 2005.

Scriven has been very active over the second half of 2008 as this will be his seventh contest since June, coming on the heels of a six month stretch in 2007 when "Scriv" fought in eight bouts. A former British Masters and Midlands Area light middleweight titlist, the 35 year old has spent time in the ring against such notable domestic opposition as Matthew Hatton, David Walker, John O'Donnell, Matthew Hall, Colin McNeil and Willie Limond.

After having suffered many stoppage defeats early in his career, Scriven has finished on his feet during his last 14 outings, a streak Woolcombe must impressively break if he is to mount a serious campaign to regain his former standing in the light middleweight division.

Victories in upcoming high profile clashes could propel Rhodes and former British champion Jamie Moore out of the UK scene and onto the world stage, setting up a tournament of supremacy in the weight class among Woolcombe and stablemate Thomas McDonagh, Commonwealth titlist Bradley Pryce, Anthony Small, Matthew Hall or even a rematch with English beltholder Andrew Facey.

But Woolcombe knows that any speculation towards his future means nothing if he doesn't put away Scriven in style and that should provide "Hot Stuff" with all the motivation he needs to put on a serious display of fireworks on Friday night.

Frank Maloney Promotions presents welterweights Scott Woolford vs. Tom Glover supported by full undercard, at York Hall in London, England on Saturday, November 15, 2008.

Tickets are priced at £55 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.

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Boxing News Tags: Chas Symonds, Frank Maloney, Gary Woolcome, Kevin Concepcion, Matt Scriven, Matthew Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Scott Woolford, Tom Glover, Yassine El Maachi