Nathan Dale looks likely to campaign at lightweight in future after ending his eight-month absence from the ring at the weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan Dale on the money against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/StillfocusedmediaNathan Dale on the money against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/Stillfocusedmedia (Image: �stillfocused)

The 26-year-old isn't the luckiest of boxers: he has had surgery on one of his hands as well as going under the knife to solve a hernia problems. Beaten, for the first time after 20 wins, by Philip Bowes last November, Dale bounced back on Saturday when he beat Yorkshireman Nathan Hardy, who showed the same tough streak as his brother Ryan did at the same venue against the same opponent back in November 2013. Result? The same, Dale winning this 60:56.

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan Dale in action against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/StillfocusedmediaNathan Dale in action against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/Stillfocusedmedia (Image: �stillfocused)

'I was really pleased with Nathan,' said trainer Graham Everett. 'I thought he boxed really well. He had a very difficult, hard punching opponent against him and I thought he handled it well.

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan Dale sends in a body shot against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/StillfocusedmediaNathan Dale sends in a body shot against Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/Stillfocusedmedia (Image: �stillfocused)

'I think you can see where we are with Nathan - it is a trial but I think we are heading towards lightweight. He was very strong at 10st 3lb which would be a lightweight championship fight and he'd be 10st 6lb or 10st 9lb.'

Eastern Daily Press: Full-blooded action between Nathan Dale and Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/StillfocusedmediaFull-blooded action between Nathan Dale and Nathan Hardy. Picture: Jerry Daws/Stillfocusedmedia (Image: �stillfocused)