GRIMSBY pro boxer Kevin Hooper is already fighting fit in training for his second outing on home soil.

The 26-year-old unbeaten light-welterweight will be back in the ring for his sixth pro fight at the Beachcomber, Humberston, on Sunday, October 3.

He wowed the locals who turned out at the venue in July to watch him defeat former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight of Nuneaton on points – his fifth win from as many fights in the paid ranks.

More than 300 people saw the area's sole boxing pro in action, which delighted promoter Dave Coldwell, Hooper's manager.

Now another show has been confirmed in Humberston, Hooper – trained by Grimsby's Sean Wood – cannot wait to get back in the ring.

"It's fantastic that I'm going to be boxing in front of my home crowd again," said Hooper, who is aiming to fight for an area title by the end of the current boxing season.

"It means a lot and hopefully I've brought the sport back to the town now."

Wood – whose new boxing gym opened earlier this month in Ainslie Street – is now coaching his second pro fighter: Scunthorpe light middleweight Steve Spence, 23, who has previously been coached by former British, European and Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Esham Pickering.

Spence, who is poised to sign a contract with Coldwell and appear on the Beachcomber card at welterweight, said: "Sean knows his stuff and has helped me pick faults out by game and improve.

"It's great to find a pro boxing stable. I've had great sparring sessions with Kev."

Coach Wood added: "The next show will be even better than last time.

"The crowd was awesome and there were a lot of first timers to boxing who said they would come again and bring their friends.

"Steve's been picking a lot up sparring with us. He wants to get out there on the circuit.

"He said he has liked training with me. "Hopefully it might lead to more fighters from Scunthorpe being interested.

"It's great to be taking on new pros.

"There's a few more lads from this area wanting to turn pro.

"Kev is a role model and there are definitely two, possibly three, I have in mind that could follow in his footsteps."

"He is also unbeaten and being tipped for success, even though he works full-time and has a family to take care of.

He only has his kit paid for him whereas others benefit from paid leave from work.

I'm really proud of him.

Wood is hoping to introduce youth classes to his Woody's Gym stable, to run alongside his current amateur classes for adults.

He is on the lookout for potential coaching assistants to help with the new classes. Contact Wood on 07525752497.

Tickets for the Beachcomber show are priced £25 and £45. Doors will open at 1.30pm, with the boxing starting at 3pm. Contact Hooper for tickets on 07532 380456.