BOXER Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ring – but he may already be a familiar face.

And not because of his two points victories but due to his career as an actor.

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He is the son of Phil Middlemiss – who spent eights years playing Des Barnes in the hit ITV soap.

His 21-year-old son is also an actor with TV credits for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road – but his true calling has been boxing.

But Middlemiss’ true calling has been in boxing, turning professional in 2024 with Eddie Hearn after a title winning amateur career.

He returns tonight in Manchester on Joe Joyce’s undercard – but the bright lights are nothing new for the super-featherweight.

Middlemiss told BBC Sport: “I definitely think they’re transferable and should come in handy.

“There are things I’ve learnt in that field that I can already see are going to be useful now.

“They can help me sell a bout and, when I get a little bit further down the line, they’ll also help me in front of the television cameras.

“A lot of people can freeze when they’re all pointed at them. I get it because it’s completely out of their comfort zone.

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“But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

Middlemiss still acts on the side but is ready to pursue boxing full-time.

He said: “Acting can be tough but it’s a damn sight easier than boxing.

“My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don’t think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do.

“OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don’t think, because of how I am.

“There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there’s something about boxing which immediately grabbed me.

“I think it’s the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it’s just you and the other guy so you can’t rely on anyone else.

But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Alfie Middlemiss

“You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up.

“From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it’s the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience.”

Middlemiss won English and North West championships and has now turned pro under ex-boxer Jamie Moore – trainer also to Jack Catterall.

He beat Jesus Gonzalez and Caine Singh in his first two bouts and faces Mexican Alexander Morales (6-11-5) in his third.

Middlemiss said: “Boxing can be a lonely sport as everything is on you.

“As an amateur, it can be a bit overwhelming when you get a loss or a setback.

“There are injuries too. I’ve had a few minor niggles along the way but, fortunately, nothing serious.

“It’s how you respond to all of that which defines you. The same as disappointments in acting or any other walk of life.”

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