BOXING promoter Dave Coldwell is ready to put on regular shows at the Beachcomber if the punters continue to get behind Grimsby professional Kevin Hooper.

More than 300 people were at the Humberston venue to see light-welterweight Hooper win his fifth straight contest in his first fight on home territory last Sunday against former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight of Nuneaton.

Previously Hooper, 26, has boxed in Rotherham and Birmingham but is likely to be at the Beachcomber again in October.

Coldwell, pictured, was encouraged by the good turnout at the weekend.

He said: "The atmosphere and everything has been fantastic. I'm absolutely over the moon with it.

"Kev's got great support. When he comes down to box at Rotherham he always sells about 150 tickets, so we've come here, given it a go and it's gone really well.

"At the minute I'm looking at coming here in the first week in October if we can fix it with the venue.

"There's one or two issues that need sorting out with the venue and if that can be ironed out, I'll be back."

Coldwell went on: "People have to turn out. This is the first one. We have had a decent response but hopefully people will go home and tell a friend and bring a friend next time and then we can start making a really good go of it up here, and take Kev all the way.

"When a kid has got all the support of his home town, he tends to be able to get a bit more backing, and then television are interested, and you get on TV shows and we can start doing big things."

He was impressed with Hooper's latest victory: "I think he boxed brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I think he is improving all the time and he is a kid who likes to learn.

"He listens and he's got very fast hands. He is boxing really well and he has a decent brain on him."