Rob Hunt expects 'tear up' from challenger

Hunt picked Amir Unsworth for the maiden outing with his crown at the Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock on Saturday July 11,

The 29-year-old is looking to win the belt outright with two successful defences, having waited nearly nine years to become Midlands champion.

The 6ft-plus operator claimed area honours in his 26th professional contest, with arguably his best-ever performance to outpoint Sullivan Mason.

The dust has settled on that April victory at the place where he made his pro debut in 2006, Walsall Town Hall. Now he's even closer to home.

Unsworth boxed on that same bill for the British Masters Bronze crown, retiring after six punishing rounds of a blistering brawl with Stourbridge's Steven Pearce.

However, former Midlands boss Pearce has been overlooked for another shot in favour of the slugger from Sleaford, a former area champion down at lightweight.

Hunt expects a test, though, and feels he's still developing as a fighter. He's enjoying a new-found confidence to match through his exploits, too.

He said: "I told myself when I turned pro that a Midlands title was my goal, so I'm made up to have achieved that.

"It's a prestigious bona-fide British Boxing Board of Control belt and I'm honoured to be a holder. Winning in my last fight was the biggest achievement of my career to date. It was massive.

"I feel that I've matured as a boxer. I'm comfortable with who I am and how I fight. I think that has shown in my last two contests. I've proved I can stick to a game plan and have faith in my boxing ability.

"I'm looking forward to defending my title in Cannock on a home show. Amir Unsworth is a tough guy.

"He's a come-forward, aggressive fighter who will come for the tear up. He's shorter than me, so I know how to box that type of opponent.

"He will be coming to win, which is how it should be, but I'll be ready for whatever he brings."

Promoter Errol Johnson added: "It's got the makings of a cracker. Rob has consistently improved with each fight over the last 12 months and Amir is a real warrior.

"It's a classic boxer versus puncher fight that will catch fire at some point, I'm sure."

Dudley's Ryan Aston has been added to the line-up, as he looks to quickly bounce back from his contentious points loss to Jason Welborn for the Midlands light middleweight title.

A debutant finds himself in the unusual position of chief support. Double national amateur champion Zach Parker, from Swadlincote in Derbyshire, turns over at middleweight.

Tipton's Lee Glover is the biggest name on the under-card, warming himself back up after missing out on a shot at the English featherweight title for failing to make the weight.

Halesowen's Lennox Clarke also features, the unbeaten super middleweight looking to score his ninth pro victory, having featured on the Sky Sports show in Birmingham last time out.

Wolverhampton is represented by Joshua Burke and Sid Bowater, the former in his paid bow at cruiser while the latter is looking to build on his winning welter debut.

Brummie featherweight Sean Davis, Stoke's Kieron McLaren, Cheltenham's Scott Gibbins Jr and Iran-born Alex Dilmaghani complete the card.

Tickets are now available, priced at £30 and £50 ringside. For more information, call 01543 504 065.