Darlington fighter, Oscar Hall, makes a rare appearance in his hometown next month as he continues his build-up towards a British title fight.

The unbeaten 28-year-old has his eyes on the British light-welterweight belt currently held by Sheffield stable-mate, Junior Witter and is hoping for a crack at the title later this year but in the meantime he'll keep ticking over with a July bout at the Dolphin Centre.

At the beginning of the year Hall overcame the first obstacle blocking his path to the British title when he beat Northampton-based Alan Bosworth after a bruising battle.

Both fighters survived scares before Hall took the British eliminator on points which puts him in the frame for a showdown with Witter.

Next month's date at the Dolphin Centre also sees fellow Darlington fighters, Argie Ward and Frances Jones on the bill while Hall, based in Sheffield since turning pro five years ago, will be pitted against Richard Swallow which should keep the dedicated light-welterweight focused ahead of his anticipated title fight.

Hall now splits his time between Brendan Ingle's Sheffield gym and Hartlepool Boxing Club where he trains under the guidance of Neil Fannon while the Penthouse gym in Skinnergate, Darlington, has kindly let him use their facilities, will be making a welcome return to Darlington having rarely had chance to fight in front of his home fans.

His impressive record reads 22 wins and one draw, and Hall, whose Midlands-based opponent has won 18 and lose one of his 23 bouts is looking forward to a fight in his hometown.

He said: "It's good to be back in Darlington because all the fans will be behind me so it'll be a good atmosphere and people who want to see my fights normally have to travel at least one-and-half hours so it'll make life easier for them!

"The stage is set now for a big fight later in the year, perhaps at the end of summer and I'd love to hold it in Darlington."

* The fight night takes place on Friday, July 11 and tickets, priced £30 which includes a table at ringside and £20, are available from Oscar Hall on 0781 585 8852 or from the Dolphin Centre.