Darlington boxer Michael Hall has said he wants a title win by the end of next year as he celebrates maintaining his 100 per cent record after winning the 15th professional fight of his career.

The light-welterweight made his long-awaited home bow at the town's Dolphin Centre where he won a unanimous points decision against Dean Nicholas of South Shields last Friday.

And after setting himself goals for the last two years he has targeted a title belt by 2002.

"Last year I wanted to have as many fights as possible and remain unbeaten and I did that," he said.

"Towards the beginning of this year I said I wanted to remain unbeaten still and I wanted to be in the top ten in the rankings.

"Next year I want to keep undefeated and have a belt around my waist."

"On Friday there were loads of Boxing News lying around with the rankings in and someone said 'Mike, you're 11th, and before then I didn't know so that gave me a boost before the fight."

The Boxing News magazine rankings are looked upon as the most official and reliable ratings by which to ascertain a fighters' status and Hall is on target to achieve his aim and break into the top ten.

He trains under the watchful eye of Brendan Ingle at his Sheffield gym who clearly rates Hall and has said he will contest a title if he maintains his current form.

"It's nice to have someone like that behind you, who believes in you. If he didn't think you were good enough he'd tell you, he's that kind of person."

Hall is due to fight in what will be his third fight inside two months when he meets an as yet unnamed opponent in Grimsby in three weeks time. But he doesn't mind the hard schedule.

"Normally you can never get enough fights, you're always waiting. I've never been so busy, I love it."