Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng finally has the opportunity to get his career back on track this weekend when he faces Welshman Dale Evans in Cardiff.

The 26-year-old from Stoke Newington is making his first appearance in the ring since September, when he lost his challenge for the British light-middleweight title against Merseysider Liam Smith.

Ochieng has switched to welterweight for the first time since his amateur days at Haringey Police ABC, but trainer Brian Lawrence is confident that his man can flourish at the lower weight.

“We have no weight problems – Erick is walking around at 10st 8lb and the fight is made at 10st 10lb,” Lawrence told the Gazette. “This weight will suit him.

“He will now be fighting people his own size instead of having to give height and reach away to his opponents.”

Ochieng is rated number three in the country at light-middleweight, but a good win over Evans – who has lost just once, to Glenn Foot in last year’s Prizefighter tournament – could bring him a strong ranking in this division.

Saturday’s contest, which will be fought over eight rounds, was originally due to take place in London just before Christmas.

A late change of date and venue made no difference to Lion ABC’s Louis Isaacs as he swept to an England Youth Championships London title.

Isaacs had originally been scheduled to contest the Class A Under-60kg final on Saturday in Dartford, but the clash against Jack Rowan (Fitzroy Lodge) was brought forward to Friday and switched to The Coronet, Elephant & Castle.

Isaacs immediately took command, dominating with solid punches to head and body as he took a unanimous decision.

The Lion boxer will now fight in the national pre-quarter-final round on Sunday at Earlsfield ABC.

Meanwhile, the Hoxton club’s open show has now been moved to Friday February 7.