BOXER Michael Hunter prepares for his first British title showdown tonight with these words from coach Neil Fannan ringing in his ears: "This is the most important fight of your life.''

The Hartlepool fighter will go toe-to-toe with Coventry's Mark Payne at the town's Borough Hall for the right to become the vacant super-bantamweight champion.

It is exactly the type of bout Hunter has been waiting for since he relinquished the WBF belt nine months ago. Team Hunter are now determined to make sure that that decision is made worthwhile this evening.

At the weigh-in at Ellwood's Fitness World yesterday, Hunter came in at 8st 9.5lbs while hard-hitter Payne was slightly lighter at 8st 8.75lbs.

Hunter's coach Fannan is in confident mood ahead of the contest - the first of its kind to be held in Hartlepool since 1985 - and he has been preparing his man for war.

"We have been working on our strategies for the last month and we'll go into the bout with a game plan," said Fannan. "I know if the going gets tough and it is not going to plan I can send him out to war.

"I'm sure Payne will produce the fight of his life and when you dangle a title in front of a boxer that makes him even better.

"It'll be a real tough fight and it could be a real epic 12-rounder. But I feel Michael has the tools to win it and the right mentality."

Hunter goes into the fight unbeaten in 18 and desperate to put on a good show in front of his own vociferous fans.

"I can't wait. These are the types of nights what being a boxer is all about," said the 26-year-old. "I know he is a good boxer but I'm ready for him. I'm ready for a good old fashioned tear up."

Also on the bill are Darlington duo Argie Ward and Oscar Hall, while their is still an outside chance that Francis Jones could also be on show.