April Hunter will have a world champion in her corner when she climbs through the ropes for her first assignment of 2021.
WBO middleweight title holder Savannah Marshall has joined Team Hunter for this weekend’s adventure in Spain where April will face French title challenger, Elsa Hemat over four rounds.
The unbeaten Newcastle star already boasts a big-name manager in former WBC world cruiserweight champ, Tony Bellew, who is guiding the 25-year-old’s career following her move from Wallsend to Liverpool.
But now she will have the considerable presence of the ‘Silent Assassin’ with her in Barcelona on Friday night.
“I’m over the moon to have her as part of my team and the fact she is taking time out of her training to help me speaks volumes,” Hunter told punch-lines.
“She thinks really highly of me and my ability so that gives me so much confidence.
“Savannah’s not just a fantastic fighter with all the experience in the world, she is a little bit of cool and will be great to have around me this week.”
On that front, the Hartlepool girl, who has sparred with and has great respect for Hunter, could be highly influential.
This is a big night for the exciting Howdon talent.
It is her first appearance for since leaving the North-East, where she was coached by Nik Gittus and managed by Phil Jeffries, to switch base to Liverpool where she works at the Rotunda club with Joe McNally and Declan O’Rourke.
And it will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase her talent worldwide via DAZN, the streaming service who will broadcast the Matchroom show from the Palau Olímpic Vall d’Hebron.
With her fight against the French woman over the sprint distance of four rounds, it is a delicate task between being explosive out of the blocks but not trying so hard that you risk negating your good work.
“With it being a four rounder I’m going to have to make a fast start but it’s about getting the right balance of a quick start with educated pressure,” said April.
“One thing’s for sure, Elsa’s going to be getting a headache! I’m just excited to be fighting and after doing eight good rounds with Terri Harper in my last spar my confidence is sky high.”
Hunter has won both of her professional contests while Hemat, a pro for a little longer, has boxed four times, winning one, though she has always made it to the last bell.
“Elsa has just done eight rounds for the French title and is a good opponent,” added Hunter. “I’m looking forward to it and showing what I can do.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
