Redemption, revenge, recognition.
April Hunter has all three of those particular three Rs in mind when she climbs through the ropes at the AO Arena Manchester.
There on Saturday July 1 she will take on Kirstie Bavington, the only boxer to defeat her in a 6-1 career. The fight is on the big stage of Savannah Marshall’s bid to become undisputed world super-middleweight champion against Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Natasha Jonas’s attempt to add the IBF world welterweight title to her collection of belts against Kandi Wyatt.
This is a huge night for Hunter, who was outpointed by Bavington at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle back in October 2021.
While April has been rebuilding her career very nicely under coach Peter Fury, she has had to watch ‘Bavvo’ go from strength to strength off the back of that break-out win.
Kirstie has become the European champion after beating Hungary’s Timea Belik and made a successful maiden defence against unbeaten German Naomi Mannes before losing in a crack at the WBA Inter-Continental belt in March, a fight shown live by the BBC.
The 30-year-old, who lost an historic first-ever female British title contest against Lauren Price last time out, has a record of 7-4-2.
Hunter is now out to avenge her loss over eight rounds on the BOXXER event and see a take-off for her career.
“I can’t wait,” said the 28-year-old.
“I’m very happy I’m getting the chance to right that wrong.
“In our first fight I don’t think it was even me in there, it will be a totally different human being in Manchester on July 1st.
“I’m looking forward to the chance of putting the record straight.
“After beating me it put her in the mix and watching Kirstie box for the European title has been hard to swallow.”
Bavington was a deserved points winner when they met the Utilita Arena, judge Ron Kearney scoring it 59-56.
Hunter has recovered smoothly since that set-back, switching gyms from Merseyside to Cheshire to link up with Team Fury.
Her first win under her new coach was an excellent performance against tough Hungarian Ester Konečná in Newcastle before outpointing Argentine hardcase Erica Alvarez at the 02 in October.
The North Shields boxer is ready for her third assignment for Team Fury and told punch-lines of the big change she has made.
“I know I won at the 02 but I don’t think I really turned up,” said the Phil Jeffries-managed light-middleweight. “I felt slow and lethargic.
“Peter said to me ‘you look world-class in the gym, now go away and work on your mind’ so I did.
“I’ve been seeing a mind coach and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
“I’m excited for July 1st and showing what I can do.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ BOXXER
