A FORMER boxing champion could be locked up after confessing to attacking and harassing his ex-wife.

Michael Hunter admitted the charges as he was due to go on trial at Teesside Crown Court on Monday.

The former British and European super bantamweight title-holder will be sentenced at the end of the month.

Hunter, 38, of Eskdale Road, Hartlepool, was given bail until he has to return to court on July 28.

Judge Peter Armstrong told him: "That must not be taken by you as being an indication of the sentence."

Hunter admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

The court heard he sent text messages and made phone calls to his ex between August and September last year.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching a non-molestation order made to protect his former wife on April 16.

Two other charges - assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating - will not be pursued.

During his boxing career, Hunter was beaten just twice in 33 bouts, and won eight of his ten major title contests.

The fighter retired from the ring three years ago, after making a final comeback from a previous retirement.