GWENT boxing prospect Jamie Arthur expects to make his ring return a month later than expected.

The top-rated lightweight, winner of all five professional contests, had hoped to be on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe's world super-middleweight title defence against Armenian Mger Mkrtchyan on February 21.

But the Cwmbran-based former Commonwealth Games gold medallist has decided to delay matters to give the eye damaged in his last fight more time to heal.

He needed 15 stitches in a cut over his right eye when outpointing Sri Lankan Jus Wallie at the Welsh National Ice Rink on December 6.

But Arthur said rumours he had contracted an infection in the cut were not true.

"The doctors put in 15 stitches just to make sure it healed properly," said Arthur.

"It seems to be fine now but I had a chat with my trainer and we just decided to give it another month to be absolutely sure.

"I'm a young man just starting out on my professional career and there's no need to rush things or take any chances.

"I just want to be sure that when I do return everything is 100 per cent.

"I'm ready to fight now in terms of fitness. I've been in the gym twice a day and running five miles a day and been doing light sparring with Matthew Edmonds (the Welsh amateur flyweight champion.

"I'm looking forward to returning either on March 6 on the Scott Harrison v William Abeylan WBO world featherweight title bill or March 22 on the Alex Arthur bill."

Both bills are being staged in Scotland, where Arthur began his professional career with a points win over Daniel Thorpe.

Meanwhile, fellow Gwent boxer Gavin Rees, from Newbridge, is set to get his long-awaited chance at a world title.

The super featherweight, winner of all twenty professional fights, is set to challenge Michael Gomez for the WBU world title left vacant by Kevin Lear.