COACH Sean Wood believes Grimsby can hold an English title showdown involving newly-crowned Midlands Area champion Kevin Hooper.
Wood and unbeaten star Hooper have put Grimsby back on the map in boxing terms – the 28-year-old has lifted three titles in the region during the last 12 months.
The unbeaten professional's bout against Sleaford's Amir Unsworth, which he won on points, doubled up as an English title eliminator.
Wood believes there is potential for Grimsby to challenge in the purse bids and bring a bumper show to the region.
Hooper's previous two title fights – for the British and International Masters belts – gained live international exposure on the internet via Hatton TV.
And Wood's dream, with an English title bid on the horizon, is for Grimsby to host another top showdown and entice Box Nation – which would provide sponsors, and the town, with international exposure on live television.
He said: "I would like Kev to fight for a top national title now.
"He's the only fighter from here to have picked up three titles, all on home soil, and he's got 13 wins from his first 13 fights – it'll be a long time before someone beats that record.
"He put in a lot of effort training for this fight – hard work in the gym, morning runs and late-night runs. It's paid off.
"He's an Area champion now when three years ago some people doubted whether he should turn pro.
"What we'd like to do now is get an English title fight in Grimsby, but we need businesses to get behind the kid, get behind the sport, and get behind Grimsby.
"Carl (Greaves, manager) has been great to work with and if anyone can bring Box Nation to Grimsby it's him.
"If he does, businesses that were to sponsor the show would be on live national television.
"But we won't be able to get the fight here if businesses don't back us.
"The (Grimsby) Auditorium, realistically, would be the only venue here to hold such a big event.
"I'm appealing to businesses to help get this English title happening in Grimsby. We can't do it without them."
