A PASSIONATE Michael Hunter last night predicted fireworks when Marc Callaghan renews a two-year feud to challenge the Hartlepool boxer for his British title tonight.

Reigning super-bantamweight champion Hunter has just one blemish on an otherwise perfect 20-bout career - the draw the pair fought out in March 2001.

On that night in Crawley both men felt aggrieved that the judges awarded such a result and, despite never entering the ring together since, there has been an ongoing bitter rivalry between the pair.

Since that occasion, Hunter has never looked back and intends to defend his Lonsdale Belt in front of his own supporters tonight at Hartlepool's Borough Hall - where stablemate Kevin Bennett is also hoping to retain his Commonwealth belt against Wales' Dean Phillips.

At yesterday's midday weigh-in, Hunter was enraged by the late arrival of Callaghan, who then insisted the scales were wrong.

The Essex fighter eventually came in at 8st 8lb, while the North-East man easily shed 5lbs during the past week to come in a quarter of a pound under the 8st 10lb limit.

And Hunter is now just desperate to let battle commence.

The 26-year-old, who won the title in April by overcoming Coventry's Mark Payne, said: "I just hate him. It's that simple. He's horrible. He probably feels the same. There was just no need for the way he carried on.

"There will be fireworks when we get into that ring, I know it. His attitude is not nice and I'm sure it will be a good fight.

"Two years ago we both thought we should have won. All I know is that there was only one winner that night and that was me. Friday night will be no different. There will be one winner - me.

"It's been great to have the Lonsdale Belt and this will be a good test for me but I am going to keep hold of it."

Due to Sky TV failing to broadcast the double title bill, Hunter and Bennett have had to take a pay cut so that they could perform in front of their home fans.

The former hopes another victory to add to his reputable tally will steer him closer to an eagerly-awaited duel with Commonwealth and European champion Esham Pickering.

And coach Neil Fannan said: "I prefer to take my men into fights when they are the challengers. My lads have everything to lose and nothing to gain. But that's the way it goes when you are successful.

"But the spirits of both Kevin and Michael are fantastic. Preparations could not have gone any better and it's sure to be a great night.

"They have an advantage because it's in Hartlepool but when a title is dangled in front of you anything can happen and both challengers will be desperate to win."

Commonwealth lightweight champion Bennett, weighing 9st 8lb and a 1lb heavier than Welshman Phillips, is the favourite to retain his belt.

The man from Llanelli has proven in the past that he is not invincible, losing five of his contests as a professional.

But Bennett, like Hunter managed by David Garside, is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "He's got two arms, two legs and it doesn't matter what has gone on before. Dean will not have come here to lose.

"All I know is that the Borough Hall is an historic venue and I can't wait. The fact that we have taken a pay cut doesn't matter either. When you get to this stage it's more about glory than anything else."

Darlington's unbeaten pair Argie Ward and Francis Jones are on the undercard on what promises to be a memorable night.

* There are a few tickets remaining for the bill, priced £25 and £40. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets can contact Dave Garside on 07973 792588.