Hartlepool boxing legend Michael Hunter indulges in fighting talk

Hartlepool’s most successful ever boxer is set to be the star turn at ‘An Evening with Michael Hunter’ next month.

The former British, Commonwealth and European champion will recount some of his highs – and lows – at the Hollybush Hotel & Bar in Skelton-in-Cleveland on Saturday, September 20.

The event, at the Station Road venue is the brainchild of boxing fan Jamie Boyle.

“It’s very exciting to have Michael coming along for our latest venture,” said Jamie.

“He was a fantastic fighter, winning championships as an amateur and pro and challenging for the world title.

“Michael was a great entertainer in the ring – a real crowd-pleaser.

“He is a character outside the ring and I’m sure he’s got some fabulous stories to tell about his career.

“On the night there will be an interview with Michael to talk about his career and then there will be a question and answer session followed by a charity raffle.

“All proceeds on the night will be going to Zoe’s Place hospice.

“I’m delighted Michael’s coming along to do this and I’m sure it will be a great night.”

Jamie has already staged two ‘An Evening with’ productions – featuring ex-British, European and WBU light-middleweight champ Wayne Alexander and Nigel Wright, the former Hartlepool fighter.

Wright, who boxed out of the Gus Robinson stable, was unbeaten as the English light-welterweight champ and challenged for British, Commonwealth and European titles.

Like Wright, Hunter was a two-weight ABA champion and an England international in the amateurs.

But it was as a pro he tasted stardom – becoming British, Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion between 2004-06 and being one of Sky Sports most exciting fighters.

He fought for the vacant IBF world title in 2006 only to lose to top-notch Canadian Steve Molitor.

Hunter retired briefly in 2008 but came back and made an unsuccessful challenge the following year for the vacant British title, losing to Jason “Too Smooth” Booth in Sunderland in 2009.

He hung up his gloves again and made his final comeback in 2012 with one fight at his beloved Borough Hall, where he beat Sid Razak – his 30th pro win.

Hunter was beaten only twice in 33 appearances and won eight of his 10 major title contests.

Admission for an ‘Evening with Michael Hunter’ is £6 and includes a buffet.

For info, contact Jamie on 07914748903