Leytonstone boxer Philip ‘Quicksilver’ Bowes will hope to make his long-awaited return to the ring on May 16 – more than six months after his last bout – by re-claiming his Southern Area belt.

The 30-year-old super lightweight (9-1) had hoped to avenge his first professional defeat by facing conquerer Joe Hughes once more later this month.

However, an agreement could not be struck between Bowes and Hughes, who claimed the Leytonstone fighter’s Southern Area lightweight title by winning November’s bout by third round knockout.

Now the east Londoner will face Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor (9-3-1) at York Hall with the Southern Area title on the line once more.

The fight has been sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control and contracts are set to be signed.

Taylor, 26, is set to face Danny Gunn on Saturday before meeting Bowes.