Stepney's old Troxy Cinema could bring a new lease of life to the career of light middleweight George Hillyard

Stepney's old Troxy Cinema could bring a new lease of life to the career of light middleweight George Hillyard when the East End landmark hosts its first boxing show tonight.

Canning Town fighter Hillyard, whose pro career has stalled since a first-round win on his debut at Dagenham's Goresbrook Leisure Centre four years ago, will fight at the Commercial Road venue on a promotion by Mickey Helliet, who runs the Mayfair Sporting Club.

Once a cinema and a ballroom, the Troxy is a 1930s Art Deco Grade II listed building that was restored to its former glory in 2006.

Now Hillyard hopes that victory on tonight's show can help his career regain some of its past lustre.

"This will be my year," says Hillyard. "I know I have the ability to go beyond the British title and I am not messing around."

The 24-year-old returns to action after a nine-month break to face Tony Randell, a Birmingham fighter he faced in January 2007 when they fought a draw, and knows that victory would set him up for a crowd pleasing Southern Area title showdown with South London opponent Sam Webb.

Unbeaten Hackney middleweight Wayne Alwan-Arab also faces Wayne Downing on the bill. Tickets are available from 07985 301699.