By their very nature, boxers are indefatigable, unyielding individuals. However, for Stuart Elwell, life in a boxing ring must be a comparative picnic after spending four years as a Royal Marine.

As the advert on television states: '99 per cent need not apply.'

Trekking across Scottish mountains for 20 miles with over 100 pounds of weight attached to your back is not for pusillanimous characters.

A four-year stint in the Royal Marines interrupted his professional boxing career but, having resumed last year, he has wasted no time in announcing his return.

His last outing at Walsall Town Hall in March saw him claim the Midland Area welterweight title with a resolute victory against David Kirk.

That took his career record, which now spans six years, to six victories and no-one can argue with that record.

However, it would take a brave or foolhardy man to pick a fight with Elwell who was marched into the ring ahead of his title fight by former colleagues and current Marines.

The plan for his first title defence is to have a Marine piping him into the ring to accentuate the intimidating atmosphere.

It will be marginally more unobtrusive tonight when Elwell undertakes his seventh professional bout with only pride and financial gain at stake.

Nevertheless, it is all part of Elwell's grandiose plans to strap more belts around his waist.

"I want to defend my Midland Area belt and then have a shot at the English title," said Elwell.

"I have to say that it would be hard to fight for the British title at present as Young Mutley (Lee Woodley) is the holder and I have known Lee for about 17 years.

"That would be a long way in the future anyway, but, if Lee was still champion, it would be like boxing my best mate.

"We know each other inside out because of the amount of times we have sparred together at Errol Johnson's gym."

After experiencing the captivating lifestyle of the Royal Marines, Elwell is content with a more mundane existence.

With a wife and young son, he is now firmly ensconced back in Walsall and working as a plumber. Yet he has lost none of his predatory instinct within the ring, as Kirk and Elwell's other vanquished opponents will testify.

"It went well against Kirk, but there is still more to come from me," he said.

"I gained a lot of boxing experience within the Marines, albeit as an amateur. It was an excellent experience and I was based in Taunton and Scotland during my four years' service.

"Of course, you miss the adrenaline rush, but I have different priorities now with a wife and son. Anyone who has been in the Marines will tell you they they miss it, but life moves on.

"I am now fully focused on boxing and I intend to make as much progress as I possibly can. Having been away from home for so long means that I am still building up my fan base and I hope the people of Walsall will come and support me.

"However, there are still quite a few of the Marines who will come and watch me and that gives me a big lift before every fight."

* Elwell, Matty Hough, Wayne Downing and Martin Gethin are on the P J Promotions bill at Walsall Town Hall. For tickets, call P J Rowson on 07976 283157