Sunderland boxer Isaac Macleod is Craven Echo Arena bout

The exciting Sunderland star tonight faces fellow unbeaten boxer Danny Craven over six rounds at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

Macleod has made the perfect start to his professional career, clocking up eight straight wins.

However, the 22-year-old admits to times of feeling “stale” having been fed a diet of journeymen.

“I know you have to start your career with some of these fights,” he said.

“I’ve been wanting a proper contest for ages but it’s been hard finding good opponents.

“I was going nowhere fighting journeymen and feeling a bit stale at times.

“That’s why I can’t wait for tonight.

“Danny is a good lad who’s coming to win and these are the bouts I want.

“He is unbeaten, fancies himself a bit and he’ll be wanting to impress every bit as much as me.

“This is a massive show to be on – it’s on ITV4 so there’s going to be a big TV audience.

“People who are not regular boxing fans will be tuning in so this is a great opportunity.

“It could mean good publicity for me. I’m looking forward to the fight, I can’t wait.”

Craven has started his pro log with a 100% record too, with three wins, one inside the distance.

“Boxing someone of Danny’s class and ambition will bring out the best in me,” said Macleod.

“When you fight journeymen, they just come to cover up and survive.

“Tonight I know Danny’s going to be lobbing some bombs my way and I’m really excited.

“I feel, given the opponents I’ve been in with, that people have yet to see the true me. I hope they will tonight.”

ITV4 televise the Liverpool event where super-middleweight Callum Smith has his World Boxing Super Series opener against Sweden’s Erik Skoglund.

With leading Brits George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr also in the tournament, it promises to be a bold venture.