TWO North-East boxers return to the region tonight as they seek to extend their unbeaten starts to their professional careers.

Micky Thompson, from West Cornforth, County Durham and Oscar 'Michael' Hall of Darlington are both on the bill this evening at the Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

Thompson takes on Leeds boxer Paul Bonson while Hall is up against Stuart Rimmer of Liverpool.

Thompson, some of whose previous bouts have appeared on Sky Television, has been unbeaten in his first three professional fights and feels confident he can win the fourth.

He said: "I am not one for predictions but I am quietly confident.''

The 30-year-old comes from a family of boxing champions that includes his cousins Eamon and Noel McGee. The Irish brothers have both been Commonwealth champions.

Eamon McGee is travelling to Spennymoor especially to cheer his cousin to victory.

Thompson, who boxed for Spennymoor Boxing Academy as a young amateur, said he hopes youngsters from the club will be able to see how they too could achieve professional status.

He said: "Spennymoor is a great place to have a show. Spennymoor Boxing Academy has a good reputation and hopefully this will give some of the young lads something to aim for."

Hall's record reads: 19 fights, 18 wins and one draw and has a title fight in his sights.

Hall, who is based at Sheffield under Bredan Ingle's stewardship, said: "In the next couple of months something will happen hopefully. I've got my sights set on higher things but I can't say too much at the moment until something happens.

"I've just been sparring with Junior Witter and he'll win his British title fight on Saturday so I couldn't ask for better training."

Also on the bill are Darlington's Andy Vickers as well as Andy McLean of Witton Gilbert, Paul Lomax of South Shields and Shaun Bowes who trains at Gary McCory's gym.

Tickets for the event which starts at 7pm are £25 each and tickets are available from John Hadwin on 07970 717023 or by calling Micky Thompson on 07940 174126.