HOPES are pinned on a young boxer winning a British title, after stunning the sports world with his meteoric rise, writes EMILY FLANAGAN.

Nigel Wright has only spent 12 months as a professional boxer but after just two fights it is anticipated he will soon be ranked among the top 20 fighters in Britain.

Now experts say the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old from Crook, who is promoted by Frank Warren and Hartlepool's Gus Robinson, who stood against Peter Mandelson in the recent elections.

Nigel had been knocked back by injuries following his first fight in February. But on Saturday he bounced back in spectacular style after knocking out experienced boxer Tommy Peacock in 44 seconds at Manchester arena.

The light welterweight fits in his training at Shildon and Hartlepool with his job at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

He said: "Hopefully I will win again in my next match on October 27. If I keep winning I should get a British title."

Manager Peter Cope said: "He's ranked 22 in Britain now, but Nigel is going to go higher than. I have very high expectations for him. He's a very, very talented fighter.

"If he was a footballer he'd be in the first division by now."