HOT boxing prospect Josh Wale turned to Grimsby professional Kevin Hooper to help him prepare for his Prizefighter showdown in London tonight.

The 22-year-old Barnsley fighter takes on former British, Commonwealth and European title holder Esham Pickering in the quarter-finals of the eight-man one-night competition – created by Matchroom supremo Barry Hearn – at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Wale's super bantamweight fight is the ultimate clash of youth versus experience, as his Newark opponent is 11 years his senior.

At stake, should Wale make it through two fights to reach the final, would be a £67,000 top prize.

The competition offers a quick-fire format, with three rounds of three minutes, and is intended to give young boxing prospects the chance to shine.

Ahead of his clash in the super bantamweight show, Wale turned to 26-year-old light welterweight Hooper, trained by Grimsby's Sean Wood, to put him through his paces in sparring.

Hooper, who has four victories out of four since turning pro, was happy to oblige.

And he said: "Sparring with Josh has gone really well.

"He uses me because of my weight advantage.

"He says I'm always on him and I'm a clever boxer.

"It's good for me too because Josh is relentless.

"He's also very strong for his weight, he's stronger than most of the fighters I've fought."

Hooper enjoys regular sparring sessions with the likes of Wale and ex-Mariner turned boxing champion Curtis Woodhouse thanks to their shared connection with Haymaker Boxing's Dave Coldwell, who manages the Grimsby fighter.

The former Grimsby Amateur Boxing Club member admitted he would love to fight in front of the TV cameras at a Prizefighter event one day and he has tipped Wale to go all the way in the latest competition.

Hooper said: "Esham Pickering is an experienced opponent but I think Josh will do well and hopefully win it.

"He is more than capable.

"I'd love to do something similar in the future.

"A couple more wins and, later in my pro career, you never know."

Hooper will be in the capital to watch tonight's show along with his coach Wood, who has also tipped Wale to scoop the prize: "I think Josh will win as he was very good at amateur level doing 'three threes'.

"Esham is good but past his best. Josh will be too quick for him.

"Josh and Kev are great to watch in sparring, they always have a right tear up together.

"I'm friends with Mick, Josh's dad. He likes Kev and thinks they bring the best out of each other."