The last time boxer Joseph Wildes stepped into the ring, John Major was Prime Minister, Oasis and Blur had yet to trade blows in the charts, and Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn were trading some of the most ferocious blows in British boxing history.

It was 1993, and current British boxing hope Anthony Joshua was just four-years-old.

But at the age of 49, Walderslade scaffolder Mr Wildes is preparing to roll back the years against an opponent he first met in the ring back as an amateur boxer in 1991.

It could be dubbed the battle of the building site as the scaffolder takes on Sheppey builder Ray Gibbons, but this is no on-site bust-up.

It will take place in front of more than 1,000 spectators at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, tonight (Friday) and will raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation.

“My son Sam contracted meningococcal meningitis when he was three years old in 1999,” said Mr Wildes.

“Thankfully he made a full recovery and is now 18 and studying music at Brighton.

“We know how lucky we were to catch the disease so early as every minute counts so wanted to raise vital funds for Meningitis Research Foundation to allow them to continue their vital work fighting this disease.”

He added: “This is just a way of saying thank you.”

"It’s definitely a grudge match...I’m going to beat him again" - boxer Joseph Wildes

Although two years older than his opponent, Wildes is hoping he can recapture the form he found in their last clash when he fought for England against Spain, and “beat the onions out of” his opponent in 1993.

Originally from London, Mr Wildes moved to Walderslade eight years ago for a slower, quieter life, but he knows life will get a lot louder and faster tonight.

“It’s definitely a grudge match,” he said. “He came up to me and said that.

“He’s a good mate, but I’m going to beat him again – I’ve told him that.

“I’ve even had a bet on myself.

“If someone says they’re not nervous they’d be lying but once the bell goes your nerves go.”

Mr Wildes is sponsored by employers Crown Roofing, and the clash is part of a bill of fights dubbed East Side Glory, raising money for various charities.