Stafford's only boxer in title chance

Stafford's only professional boxer Rob Hunt has vowed to return to the town a champion after his shot at the International Masters crown in Doncaster.

The light welterweight was paired with former Midlands title holder Ben Lawler this week after Wolverhampton fighter Chris Lewis pulled out of facing Hunt, with the two set to do battle at the Dome on May 21.

It's crunch time for the unbeaten Stafford prospect in his 15th professional fight coming three days after the fourth anniversary of his pro debut, a one-round knockout of Ian Clyde at Walsall's Town Hall.

Lawler will be an opponent desperate to expel the demons of his Black Country nightmare in March, losing the area belt inside a round to hometown challenger Dean Harrison in his backyard at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

But Hunt is focusing on his own game ahead of his first shot at a title, with the plan to use it a platform to bigger and better things.

He said: "It's about time I fought for a title, I have certainly served my apprenticeship.

"I have done my learning and it's time to step up now. I am only 24 and don't want to rush into anything, but if you want to make anything out of boxing you have move at a fair pace.

"This is just the start for me, I want to take this belt and then look towards a Midlands or maybe even an English title shot by the end of the year."

Hunt plans to consult with Harrison for the lowdown on Lawler ahead of the fight, because 'Deano' had clearly done his homework on 'the Skegness Brawler' before taking his title.

Harrison had noticed how his opponent liked to drop his hands and feint to make room to jab and move so, the literally the first time he tried it, the Black Country boxer floored him for the knockout.

Lawler may have learned his lesson from that but Hunt is keen to find out and will look to attack at speed.

He said: "I will be looking to take him out of his game, how he wants to box I won't be letting him.

"My thing is my jab, I have got fast hands so if he drops his guard as he likes to do, ready to faint and move, I am going to whack him.

"I am confident I am stop him, I don't think he is in my class. A win is what I want, but it would be good to get it done early."

West Bromwich lightweight Dean Hickman is also billed to appear on the show, and has been pencilled for 10 rounds against hometown fighter Stefy Bull.

For tickets, call 07966 186 472.