It is all working out nicely for boxer Danny Hunt thanks to a new sponsorship deal.

The Leigh boxer has linked up with the Fitness First gym in Victoria Avenue, Southend, in a move arranged by his Leigh-based sponsors Storm Media.

Now 20-year-old Hunt will have free rein at the gym as he keeps himself in shape for his next fight.

"The new gym is handy because they have really good machines so it will be easier for me to build strength," said Hunt, who lives in Great Hays, Leigh.

"It means I will be able to spar in London and do regular weights in Southend."

Hunt, who has won nine of his 10 pro fights, has teamed up with a new trainer, Alan Smith, at the Maloney Fight Factory gym in south London's Old Kent Road.

The gym is run by Hunt's manager Frank Maloney and sees the fighter travel south of the river from his old sparring venue, the TKO Gym in Stepney, east London.

Hunt is hoping to make his 11th pro appearance in the ring in May when he could step up from four rounds to a six-rounder.

Southend ABC's John Cullinane saw his ABA hopes dashed at the quarter-final stage. The middleweight lost on points to Frank Frost, who fights for the Army, at Aveley.

The opening two rounds were even and Cullinane lived up to his reputation of being a slow starter before landing a fine left hook in the third.

But the soldier's fitness began to show as the round went on and he had the edge over Cullinane in the final round.

"John gave a good display but Frost is the favourite for the title," said Southend ABC's Ron McKenna.

Published Thursday, March 21, 2002