Leigh boxer Danny Hunt has been sparring with world featherweight champion Paul Ingle as he shapes up for his next fight in the new year.

Ingle takes on Mbulelo Botile at Sheffield Arena on Saturday night in defence of his IBF title.

And Danny - who is due to meet veteran featherweight Peter Buckley early next year in London - joined Graham Earl at Ingle's training camp in Scarborough as the 27-year-old Yorkshire-man prepared to take on Botile.

Now 19-year-old Danny is hoping some of Ingle's experience will rub off on him as he prepares for his fifth professional fight.

"I have sparred with Paul before and he phoned me up to see if I would like to him train," said Danny.

"I sparred 30 rounds with him over the course of two weeks and he is in good condition.

"It's good experience sparring with him and I have picked up some moves. It's good preparation for my bout with Peter."

No date has been set for the fight with Buckley, but it should provide Danny with his sternest challenge yet.

Buckley has contested 150 fights and his opponents have included IBO and IBF champ Ingle and fellow Yorkshire pugilist Prince Naseem Hamed.

"It will be probably my toughest test to date as he does not stand for any messing about," added Danny.

The former Belfairs Community College pupil is searching for extra sponsorhip money to enable him to train full-time.

He currently splits time training at the Lennox Lewis Gym in Hackney and workouts at Southend sports centres with working for his dad Steve's glazing firm.

Anyone who can help the up-and-coming fighter can contact Danny on 07790 306649.

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