DARLINGTON boxer Stuart Hall will be back in the ring fighting for a world title eliminator in Leeds in April, writes Peter Mann.

Mexican Rodrigo Guerrero will provide the opposition as Hall, a former world champion himself, looks to show he still has the guts and talent to go for a belt he first claimed back in 2013.

Since that night, also in Leeds, Hall has been joined on the pro scene by Darlington boxers John Green (holder of a Northern Area title) and Steven Cooper. He will soon be re-joined by Neil Hepper and Lloyd Creighton, the latter having turned professional initially around the same time as Hall.

Hall is currently under a fight-by-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom and will oppose Guerrero as chief support to the Josh Warrington – Hishashi Amagasa title clash.

Not only is it a world title eliminator for Hall, it is an opportunity to put himself forward for the chance to face his old foe, and current holder of the IBF strap, Lee Haskins (who has defeated both Hall, and Martin Ward, in title fights).

With opportunity knocking again for the Lonsdale belt owner, Hall said: “I’ve had three outings (since losing to Caballero) on some big shows and I now believe I am ready for Guerrero.

“He (Guerrero) is a good fighter, a typical Mexican and we will have to use brains and tactics for this as he will come to fight – but I am going to win this whether on points or via stoppage.

“I’m back up there now, under the big lights and it’s going to be a great night of boxing, more so with Josh (Warrington) headlining and with Sky Sports the biggest stage of all, I’m on there now so I will win this, and then take care of my rematch with Haskins.

“Eddie (Hearn) has done great to get this opportunity and I hope I’ll be able to repay him with the win, that’s the aim as this is my chance, my last chance, right now, and I will do everything in my power to win this, after all I wouldn’t have got this far without the help of my coaches and my wife Emma who is doing a fantastic job with our children.”

Promoter Hearn said: “This is a massive night for both Josh and Stuart. It would be a great story if Stuart could get his hands on the IBF belt once again – and he knows that this could be his last chance. Guerrero will be a handful for the Darlington man, but I know Stuart is desperate to land a fight with Lee and settle the score.”

There are opportunities available to sponsor Stuart Hall in his world title eliminator and hopeful world title bid later this year, any interested parties should contact Peter on 07596657371.

Tickets are on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 and VIP tickets priced at £150 available from the Fight Pass area at www.matchroomboxing.com.

They will go on general sale from midday on Wednesday, February 17, with tickets in the £30-100 bracket available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.