A make or break year for Rob Hunt

Stafford's Rob Hunt has admitted it's a "make or break" year for him after accepting his first assignment of 2012.

Hunt is set to box on March 3 at the Northgate Arena in Chester some 10 months since his last fight, outpointing Matt Seawright.

But the welterweight has changed trainer and manager going into the New Year, after parting company with Paul Dykes.

Lyndon Newbon is the new man in the corner while Mick Carney will be handing his affairs outside of the ring.

Newbon also trains British flyweight champion Chris Edwards and Hunt is hoping some of that success can rub off.

It's been a frustrating two years for the 26-year-old, who has boxed just three times during that period, including his first defeat.

That blip to Ben Lawler remains his only loss in 17 fights but Hunt could hang up his gloves if his career continues to be stop-start.

He said: "I haven't had a bad career, just not a very active one over the last couple of years, but I wouldn't become a journeyman.

"I want to make this a big year, I want to hit it hard and, if I don't make it, I will probably retire. This is make or break for me."

Losing to Lawler by stoppage, after being down three times in the first two rounds, cost him the chance to lift his first title in November 2010.

But that was for a British Masters belt and Hunt wants to upgrade to an area title shot, possibly even down at light welter.

Midlands champion Dave Ryan defends against Aston's Chris Truman on March 31 and Hunt wants to be the next in line.

He said: "I want an area title shot by the end of the year and I could make light welter, Dave has got it so I will have to watch him.

"He may not have it by the time I go for it and I wouldn't mind challenging the winner of him and Chris."

For tickets to the show in Chester, call 07769 254 545.