Lee Meager has stepped up his verbal war on Leigh boxer Danny Hunt ahead of their English lightweight championship fight.

English title holder Hunt is due to face the Salford-born fighter in London next month and is already talking up his chances of taking the 23-year-old Essex pugilist's belt.

It is not the first time the northerner has mouthed off - he told BBC viewers he would take on Hunt at 12pm and then Graham Earl at 3pm.

"Danny's been on my wanted list ever since a purse bid for the Southern Area title fell through last year," Meager said.

"He talked a good game before he pulled out but that's the past and I'm still hungry for the fight.

"I can't wait to finally step in with him."

The winner of the fight will earn the right to take on either Graham Earl or Steve Murray for the British lightweight title.

But Hunt is not bothered about Meager's posturing as he prepares for his second defence of the title he won against Chill John in Liverpool 12 months ago.

The former Belfairs schoolboy insists he will let his fighting do the talking when they meet at the Excel Centre in London's Docklands on October 10.

Tickets for the event cost £40 and Hunt is running a coach from Southend up to venue for an additional £5 per head. Contact him on 07887 875633 for details.

Published Friday September 3, 2004

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