Tom Dallas will have to wait a little longer before returning to the ring but, according to manager Mark Roe, he’ll be back bigger and better than ever.

The 6ft 6in heavyweight, pictured, has been working hard over the winter and he’ll return in March weighing 17-and-a-half stone.

Roe had hoped to be pitting his Chatham fighter against Larry Olubamiwo this weekend, but that failed to materialise and the Hackney-based boxer will be facing Britain’s No.3 ranked Sam Sexton on Friday instead.

It’s been a frustrating wait for Dallas but Roe believes it will be worth it. He said: "Sometimes a rest can help and he’ll be coming back fresher from the rest and with the work we’ve been doing on him, he’ll be bigger and stronger than last time.

"Tom is still young, at 26, and the rest has allowed him to grow into his body now. He’s got more depth to him, he’s broader and hitting harder than before.

"His power is unbelievable and people will see a difference. He’s a big man, a stone heavier, and that could make a difference."

The last fight for Dallas was in June when he lost a hastily arranged British and Commonwealth heavyweight title eliminator against David Price. It was Dallas’ first defeat from 16 professional fights.

Hopes are that he can now fight on the March 10 show, organised by promoter and manager Frank Maloney, which is expected to take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green. Hoo lightweight Adam Dingsdale is also set to compete on the same bill.