Stuart hopes to make a real fist of it!

The 37-year-old, who grew up in Chorley but is now based in Preston, is preparing for his second professional outing in the sport of bareknuckle boxing.

He takes on Stanlee Wilson in a cruiserweight contest on April 22 at the Sky Dome, in Coventry.

A former conventional boxer, Maddox, who trains at Larches and Savick Amateur Boxing Club, has had six pro fights wearing gloves and has fought at some iconic UK venues, including York Hall, in Bethnal Green.

However, he decided to make the move to the bare knuckle variety of the sport last year and took part in his first bout in December, enjoying a first-round stoppage victory over Paddy Reilly in Hartlepool.

Licensed and organised by UBBAD promotions, Maddox insists the sport is properly governed.

“There is a perception around bare knuckle fighting, but it is professionally run and organised.

“Everything 100% is taken care of for us the boxers.”

Maddox, hit the headlines last year when he fought in Karachi, Pakistan, as part of a special charity event organised by former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan.

He fought Jody Meikle at the Pearl-Continental Hotel, earning a points victory. The event attracted a large audience and helped raise funds to build two wells in drought-hit Tharparker.

Tickets for Maddox’s next fight are £30 each and can be obtained by calling him on 07596337041.

Maddox is sponsored by Lords Loft Conversions and GB locksmiths.