Esham Pickering has promised to unload 12 months of frustration when he headlines in Bradford.

Pickering, who tops the May 8 bill, has special memories of the Town & Country Club where he won the European super-bantamweight title in January last year.

He faces Noel Wilders in a ten-round tear-up and aims to repeat the form that destroyed Italian Vincenzo Gigliotti.

There is no belt at stake this time but Pickering will have no trouble finding the inspiration to turn in a classy display.

He has had just one outing since the European triumph - and is fed up with being messed about.

"I had four dates to defend the title last year but they never happened," he said. "And this year it's been the same. My mandatory against Miguel Mallon has been moved three times already because the Spanish promoters haven't been able to sort it out.

"The last year has been a total waste but I understand how boxing works. I've had this before and though it doesn't get any easier, you do learn to cope with it.

"But I need a pay day and there's going to be some frustration taken out in Bradford. It's great to be going back to the place that got me recognised when I won a major belt.

"The atmosphere was brilliant that night and I know it's going to be packed to the rafters again."

It is no straight-forward return against former British and European bantamweight holder Wilders. The Castleford southpaw is coming off a defeat against unbeaten South African Silence Mabuza for the IBO belt and will be eyeing an upset.

Pickering said: "I've got five knock-outs on the spin and want to make this number six but it's a tough match-up.

"He has only lost two in 27 fights and both have been in good company. But it's a good chance to prove that I am top class.

"This is a big fight over ten rounds. He is no pushover but personally I think I will be too strong."

Pickering is keen to emulate the success of gym-mate Junior Witter after witnessing his US victory over Lovemore N'Dou at first hand.

He added: "I went over with Junior and it was great just to be part of it. He is moving forward now into a strong position and I think in the next two or three fights he will get a crack at the world title.

"The gym is on a high because of him and Johnny Nelson and I'm determined to keep that success going."

Next month's show in Manningham will feature up to ten fights including Steve Conway against Alan Temple for the British Masters lightweight title.