Autumn might be here but so is April time. April Hunter to be precise.
Hunter is the North-East’s latest professional and will make a dream debut on the Bad Blood event in Newcastle on Saturday, October 19.
The Howdon Hurricane has had a short, yet exciting career in the amateur ranks, with her hometown club but is now eager to give it her all in the paid ranks, under coach Nik Gitus and manager, Phil Jeffries.
And she vows there will be no messing about when she takes to the ring at the Utilita Arena.
“I put it all on the line, I won’t be going in just to jab, I’ll be getting stuck in,” April told punch-lines.
Any worries about the transition to the professional game and a very high-profile show to make a debut?
“No worries at all, “ the 24-year-old declared. “It’s good to get the headguard off and get the smaller gloves on.
“I punch hard and I think I’ll be an exciting fighter to watch.”
Hunter’s time in the amateur ranks was short and sweet but she did contest the England Elite semi-finals this year in Nottingham – that’s the ABA Championship in ‘old money.
She trains at the Wallsend Boxing Academy, where she trains alongside three of the region’s brightest, unbeaten stars Joe Laws, Lawrence Osueke and Jeff Saunders, plus another new pro, Jamie Bates, plus comeback man Rob Ismay. The WBA group are pictured above.
“I’ve loved it,” said April, who has yet to get an opponent for the Lewis Ritson v Robbie Davies undercard.
“In the 12-13 weeks I’ve been there, the improvement has been massive and I’ll be fully ready for my debut on the 19th.
“I only had 15 amateur fights for Howdon under Lee Graham, who I have massive respect for, but I just felt moving into the pros was the right move to make.
“Training alongside top pros like Lawrence Osueke, Joe Laws and Jeff Saunders, it pushes me every day.
“The atmosphere in there is great. I only live in Howdon so it’s only five minutes in the car, I love it, it’s hard work but it’s also a laugh.”
April is just one half of a female double on the Matchroom bill.
Hartlepool’s unbeaten super-middleweight, Savannah Marshall, is also in action.
Words: Roy Kelly
