Pickering is looking for a world-title shot

But fighting in Hunter's home town does not faze Pickering, who was caught up in a near riot after a European title defence in Madrid last month.

Newark's Pickering said: "There is going to be some atmosphere in there, but I won't even think about that.

"This is make or break for me - everything is on the line."

Pickering was showered with coins and bottles after his 10th-round stoppage of the previously undefeated Miguel Mallon.

Hunter is tough and talented and will go all night long - but they haven't seen the best of me Esham Pickering

And the 29-year-old, who has won 28 of his 31 paid fights, is confident he will also finish the job early against Hunter.

Pickering said: "I am expecting a good fight, a tough fight. I have respect for Michael, but I am confident I will deliver the goods - and inside the distance.

"People haven't seen the best of Michael yet. He is tough and talented and will go all night long, but they haven't seen the best of me either."

Pickering, who has a top-10 ranking with the WBC and IBF, hopes to get a world-title shot next year.

Hunter, 27, is undefeated in 23 fights and is defending his British title for a third time.

He will be strongly supported by a sell-out crowd of 2000 at the Borough Hall in Hartlepool.