KEVIN Hooper is pinning his hopes on an area title fight next year - but may drop a weight division for the challenge.

The 26-year-old unbeaten Grimsby boxer has won all five of his professional fights so far at light-welterweight.

But he is looking at the possibility of switching to lightweight to beef up his chances.

Hooper defeated former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight at the Beachcomber, Humberston, in his first fight on home ground.

His success since turning pro last October has turned his thoughts to working towards a championship and he will discuss his options at the 9st 9lb limit with trainer Sean Wood.

Hooper revealed: "I want an area title shot. Me and Sean are thinking about going down to lightweight for it.

"I'll be strong, I'll be tall, I'll be sharper. I'll be a force in the lightweight. That's what I'm looking at.

"I can get down to it given the correct training, two or three times a day, and obviously I'll need to bring a nutritionist in to help me with it so I'm fit and strong at the weight.

"I think everything is going to go perfect."

Hooper's manager Dave Coldwell believes Grimsby's only boxing professional can be fighting for an area title by the middle of 2011.

He said: "The early part or middle of next year, he'll definitely get an area title fight. That's what I'm looking at."

Coldwell believes he's a got a winner on his hands and says Hooper can be up there with other area champions from Grimsby like Steve Lewsam, who also fought for a British title against Carl Thompson, who went on to win a world belt, Stuart Fleet and Matty Teague.

Rotherham-based Coldwell said: "He's going to be the best fighter to have come out of this area. Just give him some time.

"I can't see why he can't be a British champion. He can definitely win an English title and possibly go for a British title.

"But we've got to go step by step. We've got to see how he goes. He's developed and he's learned, that's the main thing."

Hooper's next fight is likely to be at the Beachcomber again in October after Coldwell was encouraged by the turnout of more than 300 people.