In a great place and in a great camp.
That’s April Hunter who is aiming to “produce a stand-out performance” in London this weekend on the Savannah Marshall v Claressa Shields undercard.
The North Shields star takes on tough Argentinian Erica Alvarez over six rounds at the 02.
April is looking to register her second win of 2022 and her second under coach Peter Fury.
“I’m in an amazing gym, I feel blessed,” she told punch-lines. “The experience I’ve been getting will hopefully show and I can produce a stand-out performance.
“Peter has changed everything.”
It’s her third different set up but the Phil Jeffries-managed light-middleweight prospect feels very much at home.
“I’m in very very good place,” said the 27-year-old. “I’m just looking forward to Saturday.
“I train so hard, I’ve done a world-class camp for this six-rounder, I could be doing 10 rounds here.“I’ve done 10 rounds with world champion Terri Harper numerous times and I’ve sparred all the lads.
“I feel happier, I’m a happier fighter and that’s no disrespect to where I’ve been before now.
“Peter is a no-nonsense kind of man, what you see is what you get.
“I’ve had to earn my stripes kind of thing, I’m not going to get praised every day, he’s not that kind of person.
“But I know if he says ‘this has improved’ or ‘that has improved’ then I know it has.
“I’m really happy that he’s given me his time and I’m in such a great camp.
“Everyone in the gym says I’ve come on and I feel so comfortable.”
April’s win over Ester Konecna in Newcastle took her record to 5-1, but it was the manner of the success which was so impressive.
But she faces a hard test on Saturday against the Argie, who looked game in defeat to Georgia O’Connor in April and has never been stopped. Her fight log stands at 3-6 following a points victory over Maria Ruiz last time out.
“She has the same sur-name as Canelo, so if I win I’m expecting to be top of the pound-for-pound ratings,” laughed the Howdon Hurricane.
“I’ve watched Erica’s fight with Georgia, she’s game, a bit unorthodox, boxes on the back foot.
“She’s a good opponent for me.”
Hunter’s self-belief is growing each day but there is no rush for the boxer or her team.
“I’m still a baby at this game, I’ve only been boxing for six years,” she explained.
“It might take a bit longer before you see the best of me.
“But I do believe that in the next two years I’ll be able to compete with the top girls like Hannah Rankin.
“Peter just says there is no rush and it’s about taking the right steps and we’ll get there.
“I’m only 27. I’m still probably four years off my peak.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ BOXXER
