Prizefighters get ready for a shot at stardom

Eight fighters go into the third instalment at welterweight of one-night, three-rounds-a-fight competition and one man will walk away with the trophy and £32,000 grand prize.

Stafford's Rob Hunt opens the show tomorrow night in a tough draw against bookies favourite Mark Thompson and admits "it's now or never" as he attempts to revive his career.

The 27-year-old has been around the pro ranks since 2006 and has only ever lost once in 17 contests, a shot at the British Masters title against Ben Lawler in November 2010.

But that defeat seriously set him back and Prizefighter is a chance to make up two years ground in one night, after being called in as a reserve to replace the injured Karl Place.

Hunt said: "I only had two weeks notice but I knew I had to take this, it's now or never for me. He's in front of me and I have to deal with it now.

"This is as good as it gets, he's a big hitter with long arms who likes to fight, but my arms are longer and I will use them, along with my feet.

"I have done my apprenticeship and, with a good opponent, hopefully this will bring out the best in me."

Stourbridge's Steven Pearce was included from the off in a line-up where fighting style has been favoured over experience, which got him the nod.

'Fierce Pearce' is making a name for himself as a scrapper who attacks ruthlessly to the body and warns first opponent Glenn Foot to take heed tonight.

Pearce said: "I have come here to beat anybody and I only know one way to fight, coming forward with aggression and power.

"Glenn is tough, he can punch, he looks fit and he's got very good amateur experience - on paper, he's better than me.

"But, tomorrow night, I am going to give it my all. If he thinks he can come into my town and walk through me, he can think again.

"He had better come for the fight of his life. I am in it to win it."

Fellow Stourbridge fighter Sam Eggington will make history tonight when he becomes the youngest man to appear in the competition.

Eggington beats Patrick Mendy's record by 180 days and the laid-back 19-year-old is taking his opening battle against Dale Evans in his stride.

He said: "It's an accomplishment for me to be picked as young as I am, but now I have got to prove them right and show what I can do.

"I haven't got anything to worry about, I don't believe anyone is going to hit me harder than I have been hit in the past.

"I don't know anything about any of the lads in the tournament, I try not to look up on people, I just do my own thing in the ring.

"I believe I have as got as good a chance as anyone else in the competition, so let's see what happens."

Eggington's stable-mate Calum Cooper, from Birmingham, is also involved and is up against 'Bad' Chad Gaynor in the first round.

TALE OF THE TAPE: -

Mark Thompson (Rochdale, 31, 10st 8lb 2oz) - Most experienced in the Prizefighter line-up with 26 professional contests, former WBC International and WBA Inter-Continental title challenger. 13-8.

Glenn Foot (Sunderland, 25, 10st 8lb 3oz) - Undefeated in seven straight professional contests, four stoppages, three in the first round, boxed for England as an amateur. 5-2.

Chad Gaynor (Rotherham, 21, 10st 7lb 6oz) - Undefeated in nine straight professional contests, four stoppages, never lost a round in the paid ranks. 5-1.

Dale Evans (Carmarthen, Wales, 21, 14st 8lb) - Undefeated in four straight professional contests, three stoppages, holds win over former Midlands champion Kevin McCauley. 6-1.

Calum Cooper (Birmingham, 24, 10st 6lb 11oz) - Undefeated in four straight professional contests, still looking for first stoppage but hasn't lost a round in the paid ranks. 16-1.

Rob Hunt (Stafford, 27, 10st 8lb 13oz) - Second most experienced in the Prizefighter line-up with 19 professional contests, former British Masters title challenger. 22-1.

Steven Pearce (Stourbridge, 28, 10st 7lb 15oz) - Undefeated in six straight professional contests, one stoppage, Midlands champion in the ABA Novices as an amateur. 14-1.

Sam Eggington (Stourbridge, 19, 10st 9lb) - Youngest ever fighter to appear in Prizefighter, three professional contests, all wins on points, Clubs for Young People and ABA Novice national champion as an amateur. 25-1.

(All odds with Betfair)

RESERVES: -

Mark Lloyd (Telford, 37, 10st 9lb) - Has boxed in Prizefighter twice before, reached semi-finals at welterweight in 2008, former Midlands champion.

Steven Swinburn (Lincoln, 26, 10st 8lb 14oz) - Undefeated in eight straight professional contests, soon to box for the British Masters light middleweight title.

ADDITIONAL CONTEST:

Kal Yafai (Birmingham, 8st 6lb 5oz) v Gonzalo Garcia (Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, 8st 6lb 4oz), eight rounds at bantamweight.

Programme starts on Sky Sports 1 at 8pm tomorrow night.