Hove fighter Paul Halpin returns to the ring tonight hoping victory against Craig Spacie will pave the way for a title fight.

Halpin knows he must put in a good display to have a crack at Britsh super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur or Commonwealth title holder Dean Pithie.

Halpin, who is still unbeaten in 12 fights, makes his comeback at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, knowing that time is running out for him to make an impact and also some money.

"This is a fight which will put me in a really good position," said Halpin.

"A lot of talking will be done after this fight if I come through okay. I shall be trying to agree something with either Frank Warren or Barry Hearn (promoters) and see what is on offer.

"I have not got time to wait around and I need to grab something from the game."

Spacie, however, is no easy return to the ring for Halpin who has not fought for 12 months.

Halpin, 27, admitted: "I could have had an easier opponent for my comeback.

"It is not going to be an easy fight and what will make it harder is that I have been out for a year. He has beaten good boxers like Alex Moon and Richard Evatt so I shall try to knock him out as soon as possible."