JOE Hughes is itching to get back in the ring ahead of Saturday’s comeback fight against Jaba Shalutashvili.

Malmesbury ace Hughes claimed the Southern Area super-lightweight title back in October but has been frustrated in his bid to find a follow-up bout.

The wait will come to an end this weekend when the 24-year-old steps back into the squared circle at the Action Indoor Sports Centre in Bristol against Georgian Shalutashvili, with the IBO international belt on the line.

“I can’t wait to get back in there, I haven’t fought for six months,” said Hughes, who trains at Paddy John’s Gym in Bristol.

“My last fight was a big one and I was hoping to fight a bit more regularly but it hasn’t quite happened.

“Whether it’s shows not coming off or something else, I haven’t been able to fight, so it’s frustrating.

“It’s been longer than I’d want and I had a few injuries early in my career, so when you’re not fighting then at least you’ve got a reason, but when you’re fit and healthy, it’s hard.

“Sparring has been going really well and I’ve had a long gap between fights before so I don’t think ring rust should be a problem.

“It’s not helpful and I am a better fighter when I fight regularly but I don’t anticipate it having an effect.”

Hughes will be facing an unknown quantity when he takes on Shalutashvili, who has only fought once in the UK before.

The contest will also be only Hughes’ third over ten rounds but he is starting to find his feet at the longer distance, winning both the previous contests.

“He looks tough and will come to have a fight. He can take a good shot as well as he can hand one out,” added Hughes.

“I’ve fought at ten rounds in the last two fights. Although the last one didn’t go the distance the stoppage was in the last few seconds, so I know I am comfortable at the longer distance.”

FOLLOW @gazsport ON TWITTER AS DAN BARNES REPORTS FROM HUGHES' FIGHT ON SATURDAY AND READ THE POST-FIGHT REPORT & REACTION AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND IN NEXT WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD