Hunt dedicates win to grandmother
Stafford's Rob Hunt has dedicated his win in the main event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall last night to the memory of his late grandmother.
Stafford's Rob Hunt has dedicated his win in the main event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall last night to the memory of his late grandmother.
Bridie Hunt's funeral took place on Thursday, just 24 hours before her grandson topped the bill for the first time against Birmingham's Jason Nesbitt at the home of West Midlands boxing.
He made it 11 wins out of 11 fights after a see-saw battle and immediately paid tribute.
He said: "It has been a hard week for the family but she would have wanted me to compete. My win is in her memory and she will be sadly missed. I hope she was watching."
A large throng of Stafford folk made the 17-mile journey to the Civic to cheer on the town's only professional boxer. They were in fine voice throughout the main event and, in the ring, their man produced the goods.
He completed eight-rounds for the first time and his hand was raised at the final bell, by 78 points to 74.
He said: "It was great to have so many people from the town there. I love the place and I am proud to be Stafford's only professional boxer. They are a great adrenalin rush for me, so I am well pleased.
"It would be fantastic if I could, in the future, fight on a show in my hometown. It would be a dream come true for me."
In the immediate future, Hunt has titles in mind. The likes of Jamie Ball, Steve Saville and Joe Skeldon are all on the championship trial and come 2009 Stafford could well have a belt holder in their midst.
Hunt said: "We have a hell of a strong gym. I am one of a group of guys who are looking to make 2009 the best year for the stable ever. West Midlands boxing has arrived in a big way.
"My goal is to compete for a British title at light-welterweight next year. There is work to be done between now and then but that is the aim. That is what I am striving for.
"To bring a title to Stafford would be a great honour for me."
