BOXER Mark Payne is facing a journey into what he describes as a "lions' den" on Friday night - but he is not in the least bit fazed.

The Belmont-based fighter will take on Michael Hunter in his opponent's home town of Hartlepool for the British super-bantamweight title.

It is a tough "away" match for Payne, particularly as he is facing one of only two fighters to have beaten him in his five-year professional career.

But the 28-year-old cannot wait to get stuck in.

He said: "I've got to go into Michael Hunter's back yard - but I've done this sort of thing before as an amateur, and as a professional too.

"I want that British title, and if it means beating him on his own territory, then I'll beat him on his own territory.

"It's a bit like going into the lions' den, but I can't wait. I've been waiting for a chance like this for five years, and I'm going to take it with both hands."

Payne, a former British schoolboys champion, feels better prepared for this fight - at Hartlepool's Borough Hall - than he did when he lost to Hunter two years ago.

"My diet has improved, and I've done a lot of tactical work. I've seen a lot of videos, and I know the way he boxes. So I'm ready to counter-attack and take advantage of his mistakes."

Payne is feeling in top form despite a tough schedule which sees him spend the week training in his home city of Coventry during the week before returning to Belmont, where he lives with his wife Elizabeth, at the weekends.

He has blossomed into one of Britain's top boxing prospects under the managership of Owen Delargy.

"This fight means so much to me. I want to do the business and I will. I've just got to stick to what I do best."