What a time to be a Geordie. Newcastle United now have more money than Simon Cowell and are ready to conquer the world.
And they have April Hunter, who hopes to play a sizable part in keeping big-time boxing in the city, starting this weekend when she aims to register her fifth win out of five.
The unbeaten North Shields fighter is happy to have a “test” against Midlands fighter Kirstie Bavington over six rounds at the Utilita Arena where Savannah Marshall, Hughie Fury and Chris Eubank star.
Hunter has already cleared one hurdle by beating French girl Elsa Hemat in Barcelona and expects to be pushed by Bavington.
“I’m buzzing,” said the welterweight who is managed by Wearside fight figure, Phil Jeffries, and trained by Joe McNally and Declan O’Rourke at the Rotunda gym on Merseyside .
“I love working in Liverpool but when I walked on the Quayside this week I thought ‘this is such a nice feeling’.
“It’s a tough test, but I don’t mind that – I went out to Barcelona earlier this year for my third fight without my coaches to box a girl who was a French title challenger.
“I’m expecting Kirstie to come and have a go but it’s my job to put her on a backside.”
Bavington has a good record of four wins and two draws from eight bouts and has never been stopped.
Hunter (pictured left at today’s weigh-in at the Metro Centre) gained exposure on Sky Sports the last time the TV cameras were in Toon, outpointing Klaudia Vigh at the Vertu Motors Arena, just along Scotswood Road from the Utilta.
Her fans are increasing in number and that’s nothing to be surprised about – she’s exciting to watch and has a radiant personality, though that particular aspect vanishes at the first bell.
“I do feel it, it’s nice to have my fanbase grow and I know I’ll have great support there,” said the 26-year-old.
“But I must concentrate on Saturday and getting the result.
“I’m not sure Kirstie’s the best technically, but she’s a hard girl and I’m going to have to be switched on from the bell.
“I’m expecting to do the six rounds but if I can stop her then that’s a big statement from me in the welterweight division.”
On the subject of big statements, her pal Savannah is making a few of them up a division or two and will make the second defence of her WBO middleweight title against Lolita Muzeya at the top of the bill.
April says having the Hartlepool star in her metaphorical corner has been such a boost.
“It’s great. I speak to Savannah every day,” she told punch-lines.
“Of course we talk about boxing, she has so much experience and has been through stuff I’ve not been through yet, so that’s a big help.
“But it’s not just boxing, we are mates and I think we’ll be friends for life.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
