Boxer Hall faces '˜last chance' in DW showdown

Hall, who has lost just once in 15 paid outings, faces current belt holder, Barnsley’s Matthew Mallin, on December 10 at the DW Stadium.

The revitalised 30-year old has promised a stand-out performance to prove that he has what it takes to reach the top in a sport where the lack of discipline he has shown in the past can often be punished.

The former Prizefighter quarter-finalist admitted that, despite still winning, he had only been ‘playing’ at the sport in recent years and hadn’t come close to fulfilling his potential.

However, after a change of management to Neil Marsh, a shift in focus and a renewed belief in his own ability, Hall has shown much better form of late.

He says December will be proof of that improvement.

He said: “The Central Area title may not mean that much to some, but for me, it’s my world title and I’m not going to waste the chance of winning it and moving my career on towards were it should really be.”

In a brutally honest assessment of both his own ability and actions, Hall also revealed a strong sense that he had wasted his talent and alienated many in the process.

He said: “It’s no secret I’ve had problems outside the ring.

“I’ve been stupid with drugs and drink and, I’ve wasted a year or two really. A lot of people believed in me and thought I’d go far but, even though I’ve only lost the once, I feel I should have done more.

“I was given a lot of chances but I didn’t step up – the Central Area belt is my last chance to show everyone I’ve changed.

“I’m not going to turn that down. Since the fight was announced I’ve been focussed on it 100 per cent.

“It sounds mad but I never really did that before.”

“Since working with Alan [Levene – his trainer] and everyone at his gym, I’ve found a new focus.

“I love training now.

“Everyone works hard, really hard. I can see the improvements I’m making day after day. I feel stronger, fitter and I’m hitting harder than ever. I feel like a new man, I really do.

“This chance that Neil has given me to fight for my first title? I’m not going to waste it.”

Hall will appear on a DW Stadium bill that will also feature Liverpool’s world ranked Robbie Davies jnr, Liverpool’s Joe Wood, Blackpool heavyweight Bill Hodgson and Kirkham’s Adam Little v Sunderland’s Glen Foot in an eliminator for the British super lightweight title.