A DEESIDE fighter is being thrown in the deep end to compete for the British heavyweight championship - and the gloves will definitely be off.

Rob Cunningham, 31, will be making his bareknuckle boxing debut when he fights for the vacant heavyweight title.

The fight with Daniel Podmore goes ahead behind closed doors in Wakefield on Friday, November 27, and will be screened live on pay-per-view on www.fite.tv.

Rob says he can’t wait to hear the opening bell.

“I’ve been training six days a week since March,” he said.

“MMA shows and bareknuckle shows have fallen through and when I saw this show was going ahead and they were looking for fighters I was straight onto them.

“I couldn’t turn down the chance to fight for the British title.

“He’s got a lot more experience than me and he’s the favourite, so there’s no pressure on me.

“I’m going there to shock a few people.

“It’s going to be a hard fight for him.

“I’m looking forward to having a war with him – and then having a beer together afterwards!"

There is a softer side to Rob. He has worked throughout the lockdown as a support worker for people with learning difficulties and autism.

And he is no stranger to competitive fighting with experience in mixed martial arts under his belt.

“There’s so much respect between the fighters in bareknuckle boxing," added Rob.

“I think it’s because it’s not a sport for everyone. Lots of people wouldn’t dream of doing it. We are a bit different to most people.”

His opponent Podmore is a hard man from Birmingham who fights regularly on the white collar and bareknuckle circuits.

He has been warned he will face the best ever version of Cunningham.

“There’s no point him watching any of my MMA fights on YouTube because I’m a completely different fighter now,” he said.

“I have learned so much this year.

“Even though I haven’t fought, I’ve learned more in the gym this year than I have in the previous three years.

“I’m ready to go down to London and cause a stir.

“People want to see fights and we are going to give them a good one.”

Rob thanked his sponsors Safe Hands Lawn and Ground Care, Huw Sargent Plastering, The Hemp Garden, Combat Club, Evolve Fitness Supplements, Maximus Clothing, Fight Tees and Ian Evans Building.