Young boxer Danny Hunt, Eastwood's three times national champion, has more reason than usual to relish his major bout tonight.

Hunt, 17, has even underlined his dedication to reach the top by giving up a computer job in the City because it was affecting his training.

Now he fights Cambridge-shire's physically-strong Carl Nunn in the quarter-finals of the National ABA junior championship at Bethnal Green's famous York Hall.

He said: "I had a walk-over at the London regional stage, as four or five of the others pulled out, so now I'm really looking forward to fighting. I need a bout desperately.

"I haven't fought for two months, although I've been training hard."

Danny, of Great Hays, added: "I've stopped my job and gone back to working for my dad's window-fitting firm because I was sometimes doing 15-hour days and sitting at a computer most of the time.

"I felt I needed something more active, and something that gave me more time down the gym."

Hunt, who is aiming for his fourth successive national age-group title, said of his rival Nunn, of New Astley ABC: "Apparently he's very tough, in terms of his strength, but I don't think that will be a problem.

"It's funny because Carl beat Ollie Pinnock, of the Southend & Rochford Club, in the last round, so I was nearly set to fight a local man."

If, as expected, Hunt beats Nunn, he faces a semi-final within a couple of weeks - then the ultimate showdown.

Hunt, who has already considered offers to turn professional, is set for more big amateur events before he goes full-time.

Danny Hunt - cannot wait to fight tonight against Carl Nunn

Picture: ANDY PALMER

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.