HUNGRY Michael Hunter stoked up the fire ahead of his world championship fight with Sweden's Frankie De Milo last night by insisting: "I've got nothing to fear."

The Hartlepool-born boxer is bidding to claim the vacant WBF super-bantamweight title and become the town's first world champion in front of his own fans.

A crowd of around 1, 000 is expected to witness the bout at the Jesters Centre in Hartlepool, and Hunter is desperate not to disappoint his partisan backers.

The undefeated 24-year-old - 11 wins and a draw - knows he is up against a tricky customer in De Milo, but is convinced he will be the one left holding the belt.

"I don't care what type of mood Frankie is in," said Hunter, who will be fighting a 12-round encounter for the first time.

"All I know is I'm feeling fitter than ever and I'm focusing on what I've got to do. He is a fit lad but I've been training hard over the past few months and I'm ready. I've been waiting for this for ages and I just want to get in the ring now."

But Hunter's confidence is mirrored in De Milo, who represents Sweden even though he boxes out of Bristol and lives in Peterborough.

The African-born Scandinavian believes victory will prove the perfect stepping stone for further title fights with the WBO and WBC.

"I will be No 1 and that will help me further my name in boxing," said the 27-year-old. "I know Michael is a good boxer, but all I'm thinking about is myself.

"I'm a fighter - that's what we all are, fighters - and Michael would not be in this position if he was not a good fighter.

"I once came across Michael about five years ago. He was fighting for England and I was fighting for Sweden in a tournament in Athens.

"We never really spoke but we were in the same dressing room and at amateur level he was as good as they come.

"I'm taking this fight seriously, a fight is a fight no matter what it's for, and I know he is tough man.''

Hunter weighed in yesterday at 8st 10, oz more than his opponent.

As well as the Hunter-De Milo world title contest, four other of the region's fighters will be on the undercard.

Darlington trio Argie Ward, Francis Jones and Michael Hall will be joined by Spennymoor's Michael Thompson.

Ward will be taking on Northampton's John Paul Ryan, Jones is up against Nottingham's Richard Inquieti, Hall will be fighting Worcestershire's Ernie Smith and Thompson will face namesake Gary from Lancaster.

The night's promoter and Hunter's manager Dave Garside said: "It is sure to be a good bill and there are likely to be just over 1,000 here. It's a fantastic venue and I'm sure there will be a great night of boxing for the fans.

"All the bouts will hopefully be good entertainment but the Hunter bout is for a world title and it's sure to be an excellent contest."

* There are still a few tickets available and they can be purchased by ringing Dave Garside on 07973 792588

Read more about Hartlepool here.