If unbeaten Chris Bennett needed any more incentive to be fired up for his second pro outing then it comes in the shape of his North East opponent.

Bennett will face Horden’s Anthony Hardy, also 1-0, at the Rainton Meadows Arena on October 19 and the Newcastle man is raring to go.

“I don’t know too much about him to tell you the truth,” said the 24-year-old, “just that he’s a tall southpaw and has had one pro fight and won it.

“It does give it that bit more spice to win as it’s a North East derby, with him being from sunderland and me being from newcastle though.

“As for how the fight will go, you will just have to see on the night.”

Bennett against Hardy isn’t the only North East derby dust-up on the Pro Box North East bill. Topping the card will be Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings versus Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott for the English lightweight title and promoter Phil Jeffries is delighted with the line-up he has pulled together.

“I want to give North East boxing fans great fights, and I’m sure they’ll get them with these two contests. These are both exciting 50-50 contests and I just cannot pick a winner from either.

“When you look at the rest of the card with the likes of Jonson McClumpha and Paul Archer also appearing then this really is one of the best shows in the region this year. I’m sure fans will turn out in their numbers and they are guaranteed a great night of boxing.”

Pro Box North East presents Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings and Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott contesting the vacant English lightweight title at the Rainton Meadows Arena on October 19.

The undercard will feature some of the best unbeaten fighters from the region including Easington’s Paul Archer; Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha; Hartlepool’s Mick Hadfield, Horden’s Anthony Hardy, and Newcastle’s Chris Bennett.  Also appearing will be Edinburgh’s John McCallum and Doncaster’s David Allen.

Tickets are available from all boxers or by calling 0774 611 020.