The 28 year-old (20-3), who is on a run of three straight victories, could arguably have been boasting an undefeated streak dating back to 2007 if it wasn’t for two disqualifications on his record against Luis Franco and Mike Oliver.
Against Franco in 2010, both fighters were guilty of breaking the rules and punished by referee Jon Schorle, although it was Hunter who was eventually thrown out for repeated low blows. Three years later against Oliver, and Hunter was DQ’d again, this time for hitting on the break after just 50 seconds which could have easily been interpreted as a ‘protect yourself at all times’ case.
Hunter now heads into his 24th career bout against the experienced Escalante, but won’t let past results or his opponent’s recent poor run of results affect him as he heads closer to a coveted shot at the world featherweight title.
“I had a great training camp and we are all excited about the fight this week. We are prepared to put on a good show for the fans and have a good time on Friday,” Hunter told World Boxing News.
“I take every fight seriously and cannot underestimate any fighter. No fight is easy and you have to be prepared to what a fighter can bring to the table. My focus is this fight, to give the fans a good show and continue to grow in the division.”
On a possible rematch with Oliver, who has only fought once since, Hunter added: “I would take an offer from his team if the opportunity presented itself, but we all want to fight the best and the best in my weight class are Evgeny Gradovich (IBF champion) and Vasyl Lomachenko (WBO).
“Ideally, I would like to see a fight between me and Gradovich, I think he is a warrior, he is tough and he would bring the best out of me.
“Lomachenko is a tough fighter, but so is Gradovich and they have earned their status just like Gary Russell Jr. (WBC title holder). I still think we need to see who Russell fights next, but overall I can see why Lomachenko and Gradovich are champions in their own right.
“Right now, the fans can expect me to be in top form and involved in an entertaining fight with Escalante. I know that I am going to bring my best to this fight and I know Escalante is ready,” he added.