Belated 30th coming the way of Rob Hunt
Stafford's Rob Hunt is getting ready for his belated 30th - with the same opponent he was due to box last time out.
Stalwart Hunt will be back in action for a show promoted by boxing legend Ricky Hatton in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday October 1,
He was due to step through the ropes with Warburton at Walsall Town Hall in July, but the fight was scrapped at short notice.
The 30-year-old welterweight now boxes the 30th bout of his professional career in Staffordshire at the Fenton Manor Complex, over six rather than four rounds.
The first ring time since passing his 10th anniversary of being a paid fighter comes on a card where the Midlands title he once held will be contested.
Hunt turned pro in April 2006 aged 20, scoring his only first round stoppage against an overwhelmed Ian Clyde.
He's gone on to claim another two TKOs from 23 wins with four defeats - all inside the distance - along with two draws.
And experience will tell him it should be safety first next against William Warburton, a wily operator who has been halted early on just twice in 125 pro outings.
'Warby' has scored three victories over his 13 fights in 2016, too, outpointing Mano Lee, debutant Callum Pearson and then Midlands super welter champion Jason Welborn.
Hunt's 6ft plus height advantage and regular jab have always been his most effective weapons and he feels Warburton could be just the run out he needs.
He said: "I was supposed to have him last time and I had a summer break when it didn't come off, went on a couple of holidays and then got straight back into the gym.
"I'm always training, but I feel fitter than I did before. I didn't want a walkover and I'm expecting to do the rounds.
"Over six, I expect him to be more dangerous because of the longer distance. He knows all the tricks. If you under-estimate him, he can take over. If you make a mistake, he'll make you pay.
"I'll have to put my authority on the fight, he's a short and stocky brawler so I might have the perfect sort of style to take him on.
"This is a serious contest for me, I can't afford to lose to him and some good fighters have before me. I have to do a job to do on him."
He's still in the 'Hunt' for further title tests and appears to retain a hunger for success, as he looks to increase his longevity in the game.
He'll watch with interest as, further up the card, Craig Morris and Nathan McIntosh contest the vacant area belt in his division.
Hunt outpointed Sullivan Mason for the strap 17 months ago, in a career-best performance, with Morris making his pro debut on the same show.
A big right hand saw him lose his title in just the second round last October to Karl Wiggins, who was then halted in five by Ryan Fields in March. Fields has since relinquished the honours.
Hunt said: "I've been in the fight game since I was 15. I started out doing Thai boxing at a club called Stafford Trojan. I won seven from seven bouts doing that.
"I changed sports and went to Stafford Boxing Club but I had only had two amateur bouts, winning both by stoppage, before I turned pro.
"I've been around a long time, but I'm not that shop worn. I still feel like I've got a lot more left in the tank and I'm looking to get back in there for the titles, perhaps even the English.
"There was talk of me and Johnny Garton (English champion) last year, but he went for Fields instead and knocked him out. I feel Garton is hit or be hit, though.
"I'd love to be Midlands champion again and I'll be watching the fight with interest. I've sparred with Morris recently and he's a tricky southpaw. McIntosh is slick, so it's a 50-50 one for me.
"I wouldn't be over keen on going after Morris, as I know him and like him, but that's boxing. If it comes down to it, you do what you have to do."
Tickets are still on sale for the show, priced at £30 and £60 ringside. For more information, call Rob on 07769 254 545.
