Northern vs Southern Area champions collide

 

Cope ready to bounce back into the title mix 

(Images courtesy of Sainsbury Photography)

Now, as we head to the end of November that professional scene will give you not one, but two shows in very quick succession. On top of that one of the areas bright prospects, Hartlepool’s Peter Cope, who has won ten of his eleven outings to date, travels to where it all began, the Doncaster Dome.  When he and his famed Barmy Army get there Copey will oppose the currently undefeated Southern Area champion, Andrew Townend, on the same night as the ‘Resurrection’ show back North in Gateshead.

For Cope, the Northern Area champion, it is a chance for redemption and a return to the English title scene, a one in which he fell just short of succeeding in a matter of months ago. That was against Mitchell Smith who faces Zoltan Kovacs for the vacant WBO European super featherweight strap in London on the same night.

Speaking ahead of his date with destiny the 23 year old fighter said: “This is the perfect route back for me to get into the title mix and, when I hopefully beat Townend on Saturday night, it puts me back to face whoever is next.

“I don’t want to be, or even see myself as being just an Area champion and, although I give my last opponent (when he defeated John Green for the Northern Area title) credit for stepping in there, he did spoil it a bit but it was good to be able to get some more rounds in as well.

“Now, as I have been for a while at least, I feel fit and focussed and we’re all glad that we have the buzz back in Robinson’s Gym – I’m definitely aiming for a win here, then get that English title, and push on to bigger and better things in the New Year.”

Not only that but, with the support of Gus Robinson’s Gym the Cope camp recently added a new element to their fighters camp with a new, and rather unfamiliar face. Dan Robinson explained about the camps’ new strength coach: “Cope’s win against (John) Green was the perfect way for him to get over the Smith loss and get back in the saddle.

“As for the implementation of S & C with our fighters, we’ve had a secret weapon in Marie Ratch who has been dealing with both that and the lads’ nutritional programmes for the past eighteen months or so which has surprised a lot of people. With her there with us then we have use of her Functional Sports business with our lads in the gym on a regular basis.”

 

Hardy heading to Shields looking to remain unbeaten

      

Hitman ready to uncoil at Temple Park

Undefeated Horden ‘Hitman’ Anthony Hardy goes into the South Shields bill looking to stretch his unbeaten record to six.

Having debuted just fifteen months ago on Phil Jeffries’ annual Summer Rumble in Sunderland it’s been a progressive but steady transition into the paid ranks for the 22 year old pugilist.

“It’s been a busy but brilliant debut season for me and I couldn’t really ask for more than that,” stated Hardy.

“I believe I’ve won my previous five outings with relative ease although I did experience some issues with my last bout and, although I wasn’t at my best, I still got the win, mind I was also a stone lighter than I should have been.

“I have however been directed really well with what did go wrong for me by Alan (Temple) and Peter (Cope Snr).”

When Hardy does step out into the Temple Park ring he will be opposing the losing streak of Birmingham journeyman, Jason Nesbitt, 10-180-4(7). Not quite the step up he’d have liked but getting some rounds behind him are as equally important.

“I do feel as though I’m ready to step up now and will hopefully look to take on some challenges outside of the region but I trust the decisions and opinions of Alan Peter,” continued Hardy.

“I know that they have confidence in me and my ability, I just need to be patient and bide my time. I feel as though I can do the same at places like this, the Borough Hall (Hartlepool) and so on, and to fill them just like Michael Hunter did before me.”

‘Winner takes it All’ will take place at Temple Park, South Shields on the afternoon of Sunday 12 October with the doors opening from noon. The first bout of the afternoon will be at 130pm and tickets will be on sale on the door priced at £50 ringside and £30 standard.

 

Cope looking to claim English Title

Cope ready to strike down Smith to claim English title

It’s been a long time in coming for Hartlepool’s unbeaten super featherweight, Peter Cope Jnr (9-0) but finally, this Wednesday night, he gets a chance at a major title.

Some three years since making his professional debut (PTS4 over Ryan McNicol in Doncaster), Copey has been quietly, but confidently, going about his business in the ring. The past twelve months or so though have most certainly been a time to forget.

Forget it he will though as he looks to add the English super featherweight title to that of the International Masters super bantamweight strap he won at the second Summer Rumble in July 2012. That first success being a local derby affair against Gavin Reid (PTS10; 98-92); this time Cope finds himself as the away fighter when opposing fellow unbeaten prospect, Mitchell Smith (8-0; 4KO).

Londoner Smith is an opponent whom Cope will have to be wary of and, understandably, poses his biggest challenge to date. However, what Smith surely won’t have is the noise brought by Cope’s vociferous and ever loyal following, the famed Barmy Army. Smith, who won the Southern Area title on points against Scott Moises ten months ago, has also fought, and emphatically defeated, Gavin Reid.

Smith defeated Reid with a rather systematic, first round destruction at Wembley in April 2013. Cope though reads nothing into the fact and said: “There’s a massive difference between his beating Reid, and mine.

“When Smith faced him Reid had taken the bout at very short notice. When Reid faced me he’d had weeks, maybe months even, for both notice and to be trained properly.”

For the 23 year old north-eastern southpaw, the past twelve months or so has been a rather bitter one of withdrawal and postponement, for title bouts and eliminators. Although the Cope camp have been at times left disappointed, Peter Cope Snr and Alan Temple, the brains and know how behind the boxing style brought to the table, have not been found wanting.

(Family photos courtesy of sister, Gemma Cope, who, alongside their Nana Dot, saw Daniel have a successful debut at the Summer Rumble and will be leading the fanfare from the Barmy Army on Wednesday)

Not only have they been busy keeping young Peter in shape, elder brother Daniel would be seen to make a successful professional debut at this past weekend’s Summer Rumble, and there was another victory for stable mate, unbeaten Anthony Hardy. For Peter though it has been training camp after training camp for longer that maybe even he cares to admit to, and with little reward.

“It’s certainly been a bad, unlucky year for me with all those postponements,” continued Cope.

“Sure it affects me in the short-term but I have been through four, solid, hardworking training camps over that time. That and I’ve been through the nine weeks or so for this as well, but I’m definitely looking forward to finally getting back out there, more so now as I believe that people have not seen the best of me yet – I am ready though, I’m always ready.”

This English title holds good stock as well. Whoever wins will follow in the footsteps of recent holders Jon Kays, Gary Sykes, Terry Flanagan and Anthony Crolla; even a fighter from one of those postponements for Cope has had an English shot, Dougie Curran losing to Flanagan in May 2012 having gone the distance. The Cope-Curran saga though is very much history for the Cope camp now and victory, alongside a superstar performance from the Hartlepool pugilist, will put him, and the camp, very much in the spotlight.

“My weight is bang on and has been for a while,” said Cope.

“I’m hopefully going to make a big statement with what is a great opportunity and exposure for me that I have to take it, more so after recent fallbacks.”

Peter Cope would like to thank his sponsors, particularly Ruskins Bistro in Hartlepool. A part of the Douglas Hotel, Ruskins is the ideal place for your family celebrations, conferences, weddings and other party occasions.

 

Robinson’s Boys Ready to Rumble

   

Robinson’s Duo is Ready to Rumble

Gus Robinson’s Gym in Hartlepool has been known for producing talent in recent years, and with young Peter Cope Jnr on the verge of his English Featherweight title shot in the middle of next month, all eyes will be on the gym as to how they will ‘cope’ with current happenings.

Not only does one Cope have a title shot but another will make his debut in the days beforehand, and yet another will be in their respective corners come that opening bell. You can see why other professionals are being lured in when you have the guidance of Peter Cope Snr and Alan Temple at hand; expertise aplenty.

In one instance you will have young Daniel Cope finally getting the opportunity to not only make his professional debut at welterweight, but also the chance to shine after some fourteen months or so on the sidelines. On the other you’ll get a light welterweight ‘Hitman’ aiming to continue making an impression in Anthony Hardy (4-0) and maintain his unbeaten record.

You couldn’t really have such a contrasting duo but there’s one thing you will guarantee, the noise will be electric as both take to the ring for next month’s Summer Rumble.

For Daniel the Rumble will be an event long time coming though, especially after a setback which has kept his debut on the shelf and meaning he has been inactive for a while.

“I failed a medical ahead of what was supposed my debut on one of Steve Wraith’s shows in Newcastle,” Cope began.

“I had to have laser eye surgery and that meant I was, quite literally, laid up for a while. I couldn’t see for a good three to four days and I can tell you now, being blind is the worst thing ever but its all perfect now and I’ve got 20/20 vision. Now, it’s back to how things should be and that’s my being in a boxing ring.”

Understandably raring to go, Cope has been part of a gym that is bouncing again. Following a number of setbacks in brother Peter’s professional career of late the duo, along with Hardy, will be hoping that a week in July will set a very high tone on the British boxing scene.

“I’m feeling really good now,” Daniel continued.

“I’m always training anyway and back in the gym, a few weeks after surgery, I had to be. The gym itself though is bouncing what with Peter having his English shot a few days after my debut and another outing for Hardy – the sparring therefore has been quality for all of us.”

Hardy on the other hand will be having his fifth professional bout having taken care of Ibrar Riyaz on points at the Gateshead Leisure Centre last month (on the Robert Dixon undercard). Having debuted on last year’s Summer Rumble, narrowly edging Matt Seawright, the Horden ‘Hitman’ continues to go from strength to strength, and is aiming for a title shot himself sooner rather than later.

“I’m over the moon with how things are progressing for me and I’m getting better with each outing,” Hardy stated. “

“My name is already floating about for an area title and I would love to have that opportunity but we’re patient and that’s how it needs to be.

“I know my abilities and we will take the chance when it comes. This bout will be all about remaining unbeaten with the intention of winning and performing for the crowd, especially when I’ll have a combination of both my own, Team Hardy, and the Barmy Army behind me.”

The Summer Rumble is sponsored by Ideala and Grosvenor Casino Sunderland and the promoters would like to thank Rob Armstrong and David Musgrave for backing the event and SAFC’s Gary Hutchinson for aiding in making it all happen.

Tickets are now on sale and available from all boxers on the show and from the Wraith Promotions website.

Follow us on Twitter –

Peter Mann – @petermannwriter

Wraith Promotions – @wraithpromotion

Pro-Box North-East – @jaffas1

Daniel Cope – @DanielCope1

Anthony Hardy – @Anth_Hardy11

 

 

 

 

Teesside Cruiserweight aiming to show skills in Gateshead

                    

              Cruiserweight Vallily to showcase skills in Gateshead

Quietly and unassumingly going about his business in the professional rankings, Teesside’s undefeated Cruiserweight, Simon Vallily (3-0), will, along with several other pugilists, make his home debut on November 22nd.

It’s only been eight months since he debuted, defeating the imposing Simeon Cover at Bethnal Green back in March over four threes. Since then he has claimed further PTS4 victories over Moses Matovu and Rolandes Cesna, both in recent months and his appearance at the upcoming Gateshead Leisure Centre will be his third in three months. 

“I’m settling in well and finding my rhythm nicely,” Vallily began.

“I’m more than happy with how things are progressing and how I’m adapting to the pro boxing scene having been relatively successful in the amateurs. I moved back home from London earlier this year and training with (Peter) Cope Snr for my last two fights has got me into a really good shape, he’s got me mentally and physically prepared.”

The last outing for Vallily, on the charity show at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Bayswater, also saw the headliner for ‘Licensed to Thrill,’ Bradley Saunders, appear, had Vallily take an enjoyable success over Cesna and puts him into good form going into the 22^nd.

As he looks forward to make what will be his regional debut, Vallily knows that the sparring he will get during camp will put him in good stead for what he knows will be a top performance from himself. It will be a performance that will have fight fans looking at what more is to come from the unbeaten Cruiserweight.

“I’m going to be in brilliant shape come fight night and fans can expect a top performance from potentially a top Cruiserweight boxer. Myself and my coaching team are really enjoying working together and we’ll be looking at putting on a really good show, a show that not only my following, but others, will have plenty to cheer from.”

As for the show and his future in the sport itself, Vallily finished in saying “it’s really good to be able to fight in the north-east.

“This means, and shows, that it’s only going to get bigger and better, not just for me but the region as a whole. Nights like this helps people like me in that I know not only where I want to be, but where I aiming towards.”

‘Licensed to Thrill’ will take place at the Gateshead Leisure Centre on the night of Friday 22^nd November. With the doors due to open at 18:00, tickets are priced at £35, £50 and ringside at £75 and are available from the Wraith Promotions website and all ten fighters on the card.

Advertising opportunities for the official fight programme are also available for which further information can be read here