Rob Hunt using his title to catch the eye
Stafford's Rob Hunt has an ulterior motive for Saturday's first defence of his Midlands welterweight title.
The champion puts his belt up-for-grabs against Brummie Karl Wiggins over 10 rounds at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham,
The Sky Sports cameras will be rolling, but Hunt's defence is likely to miss the live cut when the show broadcasts at 8pm.
That's taken some of the pressure off the 29-year-old, who still has the motivation of keeping his crown and impressing hosts Matchroom Boxing.
He wants to prove to promoter Eddie Hearn he belongs in their company, with Stourbridge's Sam Eggington topping the bill defending the British and Commonwealth straps at his weight.
Hunt has almost four times the pro experience of Wiggins, despite being almost six years his junior, and has come of age this year.
He claimed Midlands honours on points with a fine performance against Sullivan Mason, before claiming only a third paid stoppage over Amir Unsworth.
He said: "I really feel like I'm peaking now. I'm coming into a bit of power, too, but it's more about the range of punches that I'm finding.
"It's taken a long time for me to get where I am but, for the first time, I've got the confidence to be looking towards bigger and better things.
"Any fight for my title is a big one to me and for it to happen on this stage just makes me get up for it even more. Live on television or not, this is a huge opportunity.
"I've put everything into my training camp and all of my focus on retaining my belt and looking good doing it.
"I've been in the pro game for nine years and spent a lot of time in the ring. I want to make that experience count come fight night.
"Wiggins seems made for me. He's short and stocky, a come forward fighter who can box as well, but all of my work will come off the jab.
"I'll take my time to work him out and, if we have to go toe-to-toe, he'll find out how fast my hands can be."
Hunt was considered as a challenger when Eggington claimed the British title in July, for what would have been voluntary defence.
The injured Frankie Gavin and now late replacement Dale Evans have been picked since, but Hunt would also have taken the fight.
He said: "At one point, I was almost expecting the call and you don't turn down a shot at the British title. Maybe my name isn't big enough for that yet.
"I'm chuffed just to be in the mix and I want to make sure I stay there."
Tickets are still available priced at £40, £60 and £100 from www.barclaycardarena.co.uk or by calling 0844 338 8000.
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VIP passes, costing £200, are exclusively on sale at www.matchroomboxing.com or on 01277 359 900.
