NORTH-East boxer Nigel Wright will fight on home turf when he defends his English light-welterweight title for the first time.

Wright will top the bill at Spennymoor Leisure Centre a week tomorrow when he faces former champion Alan Bosworth.

The 25-year-old, who works as a poolside attendant at the council-ran centre, relishes the prospect of fighting his 15th bout in his own backyard.

He said: "It feels fantastic to have the opportunity to fight in Spennymoor.

"My supporters have travelled all over the country, from Scotland to London, and it is nice to be pay them back to come here and hopefully put on a good show.

"I have seen Alan Bosworth a bit but I like to do what I'm going to do and let the other boxer worry about me."

Wright took the first title of his pro career when he stopped previously unbeaten Dean Hickman last month in Doncaster.

The Sports Network show will also feature Hartlepool's British super-bantamweight champion Michael Hunter as chief support in a ten-round contest.

Hunter's manager, Dave Garside, said: "This is going to be a warm-up fight for Michael, he could be the best super bantamweight in Europe.

"His opponent is a good fighter, he's very experienced, but after five or six rounds I expect Michael to stop him."

English Masters lightweight champion Alan Temple and Darlington's Issac Ward complete the bill, along with the Buchanan brothers - undefeated middleweight Paul and his brother, middleweight Andrew.

Gus Robinson, who is promoting the televised show with Frank Warren, said: "Nigel is the most naturally talented and strongest boxer I've seen for a long time.

"It is a strong bill, Michael Hunter could just as easily topped the bill if it was in Hartlepool.

It will be a good night and great for local crowds to see these lads fight in the region."

Tickets are priced at £30 main hall, £40 balcony, and £50 ringside from Gus Robinson (01429) 234221, Spennymoor Leisure Centre (01388) 815827, Paul Buchanan (07720) 430955 or Andrew Buchanan 07913 300623.