Barry Hughes returns to the ring tonight after a year out to contest the World Boxing Union continental lightweight title against the Georgian, Nugzar Margvelashvili, at Bellahouston Sports Arena.

Hughes, who has a successful business, claims his desire to further his boxing career is born out of a need to fulfil an ambition to enter Scottish boxing's hall of fame. "I have financial security," said the boxer. However, for my success in business I am still unfulfilled as a boxer.

"There are two types of hunger, one for money, the other for recognition and for me it is the latter. This is the most pressurised fight of my career because I want to continue beyond this and move on up to bigger and better things. I have spoken with Sports Network and they want me to sign a four-or-five-fight deal for next year if I am success against Margvelashvili, but right now he is the one standing in the way and I need to remove him from my path.

"I feel there is more pressure on me now than when I fought Charles Shepherd for the WBU title. Then I was not as high profile. However, those who know me best realise I perform best under pressure."

Hughes pointed to Kevin McIntyre beating Kevin Anderson to become British welterweight champion as an example of what can be achieved against the odds. "Few gave Kevin any chance but he is British champion and nobody can take that away from him," said Hughes.

"I have probably missed the chance to go to the very top of this game but there is still recognition to be had. I will not box past the age of 30. I have a couple of years left and will assess myself after each fight."

Margvelashvili, 21, has a record of 13 wins and two defeats compared to Hughes' figures of 17-2 and one draw.

Edinburgh super-middleweight Kenny Anderson, Scotland's sole boxing medallist at last year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, where he won gold, will be the main support to Hughes.

Anderson, 24, will have his fourth professional bout, a four-round contest against the Welshman, Shon Davies, while featherweight Jason Hastie takes on Glaswegian Michael Crossan.