HISTORY will repeat itself for Craig Evans this summer with a second first-time defence of the WBO European lightweight crown against Irishman Stephen Ormond.

Blackwood ace Evans locks horns with Ormond at Cardiff’s Vale Sports Arena on Saturday, June 1, two years after beating the Dublin resident on points in Belfast.

Gavin Rees-trained Evans, then under St Joseph’s coach Tony Borg, travelled to Northern Ireland seven months on from dethroning Thomas Stalker in the Welsh capital.

Following that defeat of Ormond, which he did with the aid of two 10th-round knockdowns, Evans lost his belt to Roman Andreev in Russia.

However, last November, and with the title now vacant, 29-year-old Evans outpointed Boy Jones in London to take back what has been his until earlier in 2018.

Ormond, 36, has fought four times since that loss to Evans (19-2-2), winning three and losing one.

He was given another title shot following his setback at the hands of the Welshman but suffered disappointment for the second time in four months.

Facing IBF European lightweight king Paul Hyland, again in Belfast, Ormond (27-5) was on the wrong end of a split decision verdict.

But Ormond is a former holder of the WBO strap, successfully defending it three times after stopping Adam Mate in September 2013, before being disqualified against Terry Flanagan for use of the head.

“I’m very happy this fight has been made because it’s for a significant title and it’s also a rematch,” said Ormond.

“He outpointed me the first time we met but I put in a woeful performance. I’m looking to improve on that significantly this time around.

“I’m looking to do a lot differently and fight the way I know I can fight. I’ll fight a smarter fight than the first fight.

“It was a horrible performance and he beat me fair and square then.”

Pontypool’s Welsh super-lightweight champion Kieran Gething, unbeaten St Joes super-featherweight Lance Cooksey and Newport super-lightweight Craig Woodruff are also set to fight on the Cardiff bill.