By Chris Glover

Philadelphia's Eric Hunter is itching to get back into big contests, and is looking to get back involved in the fantastic featherweight division.

Hunter has been inactive since his impressive display against IBF World Champion Lee Selby, which saw Hunter drop Selby and in a fight that was arguably the toughest of Selby's career.

Hunter is now focused on the future and opened up about life outside the ring and what he aims to accomplish inside the ring.

He said, "I've stayed in the gym in Philadelphia, I'm always fit and always ready for when a call comes to fight.

"I want to be back in the ring as soon as possible. I've had some time out the ring but I'm fit and ready and I want to become a world champion inside the 12 months.

"I want to give back to the community so I've been helping train lots of people from the local community. This is something I'm passionate about as boxing helps a lot of people in their daily lives. I'm always available and everyone is welcome to come and train with me.

"Mickey Bey and I are helping each other at the moment. It's great to work with a top class Philadelphia fighter and I feel we're both benefiting from each other."

The Featherweight division is buzzing at the moment, with fighters such as Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell Jr and Lee Selby all holding versions of the World title. Other big names such as Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire, who clash this Saturday for the interim WBO World strap, also populate the division. Hunter outlined who he would like to face in the not so distant future.

The Philadelphia native said, "Firstly I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible.

"I'm open to facing anybody I truly mean that. If you have a title, I want to fight you. Plain and simple.

"I want to be in big fights and there are a lot of big fights at featherweight. I am well known in both the USA and UK so I hope that I get the call soon for a big fight."

You can follow Eric Hunter on Instagram at @1erichunter