SIZE matters to Paisley boxer Kris Carslaw when he returns to the ring at the town’s Lagoon Leisure Centre this weekend in a Saltire Promotions show that also features Highland heavyweight Gary Cornish, beaten by rising star Anthony Joshua six months ago.

Following his British super-welterweight title defeat by Liam Williams a week before Christmas, Carslaw, 31, has come to the conclusion that he needs to drop down a weight division if he is to eventually realise his dream of capturing a Lonsdale Belt.

Carslaw was stopped by the Welshman 10 seconds into the second round after being sent crashing to the canvas for the first time in 28 bouts at Manchester’s MEN Arena.

Such was the manner of his defeat that Carslaw could not even recall details of his early stoppage and had to watch a recording on YouTube. But he believes the fact his opponent – labelled “a beast of a man” by Cornish’s manager, Tommy Gilmour – was as much as a stone and a half heavier on the night sealed his fate.

However, Carslaw will be the one packing the extra pounds when he faces an as yet unnamed opponent in a six-round contest following Nicaraguan Carlos Ramos Mairena’s late call-off.

He said: “Dropping down to welterweight will hopefully make me stronger. When I fought Williams, I made 11st 7lbs comfortably while he told me afterwards he came into the ring weighing at least 12st 10lbs. I was small for a super-welterweight but I am a big welterweight and that could make a significant difference because I will be eight or nine pounds over 11 stone on Saturday evening.

"Returning at welterweight may also move me back into British title contention quicker as I have already had my chance at the heavier weight.”

Carslaw added: “I need to fix a few things because I had never been beaten like that before. However, Williams is a bit special. I think he will go on to win the world title, so there was no shame in it."