Darlington boxer Michael Hall has given North-East fight fans a reminder that he's still fighting and still gunning for a title.

The unbeaten light-welterweight clocked up his 16th win and 17th unbeaten fight with a win over David Kirk in Derby last week in what was only his first match this year.

The victory was badly needed, especially given the targets Hall set for himself at the end of 2000. Speaking in December, he said: "Next year I want to keep undefeated and have a belt around my waist."

But the barren spell has done little to back-up any belief in Hall's goals.

He admitted: "It's been a bit slow but it's looking promising. I beat a good lad in David Kirk.

"He's a strong fighter. He's boxed 50 fights and he' been around. He's been with the best. He pulled me to one side afterwards and said one or two good things about me which gave me a good confidence boost.

"I can only do so much. I can be in the gym and stay fit but it's up to other people to organise fights but it's looking good because there are two shows next month and two shows the month after that."

Reaffirming what he stated last year: "I still stick to what I said. I'm going to remain unbeaten and get a title by the end of the year," said Hall, who is based in the Sheffield gym of Brendan Ingle, famed for his tuition of Prince Naseem Hamed.