BOURNEMOUTH boxer Matt Legg is set to be sidelined until September following surgery on a damaged tendon in his hand.

The 22-year-old professional, who fights from manager Steve Bendall's stable, picked up the injury during his second professional bout, a points defeat to Gareth Piper in February.

Legg battled in vain to make his comeback ahead of April's show at the O2 in Boscombe but had to relent and go under the knife.

Bendall told the Daily Echo: "Matt's itching to get back but realistically, it looks like he will be out until September.

"He wanted to get straight back in there because he didn't perform on the night but his hand went and maybe that was part of why didn't show his best.

"It's frustrating for him but important he's right before he makes his comeback."

Meanwhile, Bendall is putting on a second professional show at the O2 on Saturday, July 4.

Local fighters Joe Hayes and Jake Gosling step into the ring once more with quick returns to the south coast for Zack Davies and Sam Couzens.

Bendall added: "We're getting a good bill together. In 16 years as a professional, I never had the opportunity to fight in Bournemouth so to gradually build it up feels great. Hopefully, we can keep pushing it forward."