LEIGH boxer Danny Hunt made a triumphant return to the ring tonight with a TKO win over old rival Daniel Thorpe.

The 33-year-old former English lightweight champion dropped Sheffield-based Thorpe in the first round with a right, which saw the Yorkshireman receive a standing eight count.

 

Danny Hunt v Daniel Thorpe, round 1

And Hunt had Thorpe on the canvas again in the second round when he landed a left uppercut to his rival's jaw.

This time the referee decided he had seen enough and stopped the bout, which had been scheduled for six rounds at Southend's Legends nightclub.

 

Danny Hunt v Daniel Thorpe, round 2

Hunt won the English lightweight crown in 2003 and defeated Thorpe on points when the two met as professionals in the same year.

Hunt - who fights under the nickname Essex Boy - last entered the ring seven years ago before taking a break from boxing.

Other results: Terry George (Southend) bt Lee Westbrook (Stanford Le Hope) - TKO.

Chris Beatson (Stanfod Le Hope) bt John Samuels (Southend) - referee's decision.

Sam Stokes (Basildon) bt Daryl Summers (Gatwick) - referee's decision.

Scott Honeywell (Southend) bt Danny Dunne - walkover as Dunne not present.

Ben Martin (Basildon) bt Arron McFarlane (Canvey) - referee's decision.

Alan Hopkins (Basildon) bt Liam Bates Stanford) - referee's decision.

Ollie Pinnock (Southnd) bt Steve Corness (Maldon) - TKO.