COOK IS ON WRIGHT MENU
Nigel Wright is to face former European and World champion Jason Cook in a final British Championship eliminator in the autumn.
The talented Gus Robinson-managed boxer may not have got the straight title shot he craved – he was desperate for a tilt at Anthony Crolla’s lightweight belt after accusing the new British king of being scared to fight him.
However, Wright has got the next best thing and the eliminator for the light-welterweight crown held by Ashley Theophane appears to be an absolute belter.
The British GBoxing Board of Control have ordered a battle between the champions of England and Wales.
Wright regained his national title last year by outpointing Dean Harrison in Houghton-le-Spring before defending it in style with a convincing win on all three judges scorecards when he defeated Nicki Smedley in Sheffield in May.
Cook became Welsh champion last November when he stopped Barrie Jones in the dying seconds of the sixth round of their contest in Newport.
The 36-year-old retired in 2005 but came back four years later and reached the semi-final of the Prizefighter.
Cook, a former postman from Maesteg, is one tough customer, who can hit hard – half of his 28 wins have come inside the distance.
He has lost only three times in a 32-fight career.
“Cook will come to try to knock Nigel out,” said Gus Robinson’s head coach Peter Cope.
“You know what you will get from Jason.
“But we won’t want Nigel to be stood trading with him.
“Nigel’s boxing well and we’re quietly confident that we can win this then he will get to fight Theophane.
“We’re a bit disappointed not to get a straight shot but Jason deserves his chance as well.”
HARTLEPOOL v LATVIA AT SUNDERLAND
That is the prospect facing Peter Cope Jnr when he steps through the ropes for his second professional fight.
The gifted Gus Robinson bantamweight has been matched with Latvian-born Pavels Senkovs at the Summer Rumble at the Stadium of Light on Sunday July 3.
Senkovs, who has been based in the Nottinghamshire town of Mansfield throughout his pro career, has a desperately poor record – winning just twice in 39 contests. There are two draws on his record.
However, the Gus Robinson team see the 21-year-old adopted Midlander as a key fight for their young star.
“Peter made a very good start to his pro career when he beat Ryan McNicol,” said coach (and dad) Peter Cope Snr.
“Since then though he’s been involved in a nasty road accident and this is his first fight back.
“He needs fights and he needs experience – for all we are confident Peter can do very well in the game he is still relatively new to boxing.
“Building his experience is vital and this will be a good bout for him.”
The 20-year-old is a well supported boxer and well over 100 members of the ‘Copey crew’ were in Doncaster in March for his win over McNicol.
“We’re hoping all those people who supported him on his debut will go to Sunderland and may be attract a few more,” said Peter Snr. “He has a lot of family and friends but I think he’ll be someone who is supported by boxing fans.
“He’s a good boxer who is exciting to watch.”
Anyone wanting tickets is asked to ring Peter on 07815991247
BOYLE BEATEN BUT NOT DISGRACED
Phil Boyle suffered a points defeat in Scotland when he lost to Steven Sharoudi in Glasgow on Friday night.
Scottish referee Kenny Pringle marked it 59-56 in favour of the 24-year-old from Motherwell, who made it five wins from five outings.
There were no complaints from the Gus Robinson camp, with coach Peter Cope explaining that his light-welterweight had given everything.
“Phil’s timing was a bit off and he struggled to get into it in the first three rounds,” said Cope.
“Once he was into the fight, he looked canny.
“Phil landed a couple of decent rights and I’d have given him the fourth and the ref obviously has too and a share of anther.
“He gave it a proper go as he always does, but he was in with a good unbeaten kid.
“One of the promoters came over after the fight and said that Phil had give Sharoudi a fright or two, which he probably did.
“Phil gives it everything in every fight and I thought he did all right at the Kelvin Hall. It was just the other kid was a bit too quick for him.”
It was Boyles eighth defeat in nine appearances but Cope added: “That record does him no justice.”
ON THE BOYLE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Phil Boyle heads back to Scotland this weekend looking to keep up the good form of both parts of the Gus Robinson team.
Boyle, without a bout since February, takes on Scotland’s Steven Sharoudi at Glasgow’s world-famous Kelvin Hall on Friday night.
And while Boyle’s fight log reveals record of only one win in eight contests, the figures do not do Phil’s short career justice.
Aside from a fairly uninspiring debut, Boyle has proved a “handful” to all his opponents in the home corner.
“Phil’s got a chance with pretty much everyone,” said Gus Robinson’s head coach Peter cope.
Sharoudi is unbeaten after four fights but all of his wins have come against out-and-out journeymen, Sid Razak (twicwe), Daniel Thorpe and Matt Seawright, a trio who have lost 261 of their 300 contests.
The 24-year-old from Motherwell has yet to lose a round though judging by his opponents, he may not have been hit too hard yet in his fledgling career.
“If Phil hits an opponent with a big right there is a chance they could stay hit,” Cope explained.
“We’re going up to the other kid’s backyard but that’s par for the course.
“But Phil’s got a smashing attitude and he will give it a go.”
The light-welterweight goes into action just six days after stablemate Nigel Wright retained his English 10-st crown.
It was a terrific performance and followed on from nicely from the Gus Robinson Developments ABC show at the Corporation Club last month when five of the six Gus boxers tasted victory.
“There’s a buzz around the place,” added Cope.
“Nigel’s just won and everyone’s on about him and there’s a lot of talk about our Peter’s fight at the Stadium of Light next month.
“The amateurs had a cracking night too, so things are going very well.”
WHO ELSE DESERVES A BRITISH TITLE SHOT AHEAD OF NIGEL?
You may never see Peter Cope on Question Time, but the head coach of Gus Robinson’s boxing team has hit the nail on the head with those ten words.
Nigel Wright defended his English light-welterweight title with a super points win over Nicki Smedley in Sheffield.
While Smedley in no way let himself down, he was forced to concede second best to Wright who used his skill, experience and nous to win a unanimous points verdict.
The 31-year-old won 97-93, 97-94 and 99-92 on the scorecards of Doncaster’s Howard Foster, Fleetwood’s Steve Gray and London’s Mark Green.
Wright, Robinson and Cope would welcome a shot at the Lonsdale Belts of lightweight champ Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla or light-welter Ashley Theophane, who is known as ‘Treasure’.
“Nigel Wright now deserves a British title shot,” said Cope.
“Boxing’s bosses said four fights ago ‘go and beat someone decent’. That was after Nigel had lost to Olusegun for the British and Commonwealth titles.
“Nigel’s followed those orders to the letter.
“He’s beaten an ex-world champion in Alex Arthur and then he beat a good fighter in Dean Harrison to regain his English belt.
“He the took on an unbeaten kid (Jamie Speight) in his debut at lightweight – an opponent who’d had eight and won eight.
“He’s now gone and beaten Nicki Smedley, who’d had 14 and won 14 to retain his belt.
“Why shouldn’t he get a British championship fight?
“Who else deserves a British title shot ahead of Nigel?”
SIX OF THE BEST FOR NIGEL WRIGHT
Gus Robinson star Wright stayed firmly course for a crack at one of the British Championship belts by producing an impressive win against Nicki Smedley in Sheffield.
The 31-year-old defeated the slick Steel City operator in his sixth English light-welterweight title bout.
Wright won the maiden defence in his second coming as champ convincingly – all three judges marking it for the Peter Cope-trained southpaw. Howard Foster scored it 97-93, Steve Gray 97-94 and Mark Green 99-92.
Nigel bossed the bout from the outset, so much so that Sky commentator and former world champion Jim Watt gave him each of the first five rounds on the scorecards.
There was little between the northern rivals in round two but Watt’s assessment was pretty much spot on.
Smedley had the odd moment of encouragement with one eye-catching shot but for all his elusive qualities he was no where near busy enough.
Wright set a good pace and landed shots in numbers and with accuracy.
Smedley did enjoy some moments of success in the seventh, eight and last rounds but the reigning champion produced a controlled and dominant performance to justify his title.
Wright was simply too good though Smedley should take encouragement by a first step up to the championship plate.
Gus Robinson head coach Cope said: “I thought there might have been a round or two in the middle or just after which were close-ish, but I thought he only lost the last round.
“Apart from that, I’m not sure Nigel lost one, I’d have to agree with Mark Green’s score.”
IT WAS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!
Three Cope brothers took to the ring at the Gus Robinson Developments ABC promotion at the Corporation Club.
And the gifted trio, Luke, Adam and Danny, reeled off three wins on a brilliant night for the Gus Robinson team on a fantastic evening of boxing at the venue universally known as the Clippie Club.
To complete the family evening, brother Peter, now part of the professional arm of the Gus Robinson set up, as dishing out the prizes!
Luke was first in the ring against Bishop Auckland’s Joe Wilson. This was the battle of the little fellas – and what a battle!
Luke is some mover but so too was Joe and both boxers put on a superb bout. Wilson had his moments but Cope was the more aggressive and accurate operator and took a deserved unanimous points verdict 9-5, 10-6, 14-9.
Adam was next through the ropes and had a re-match with old foe Josh Plummer, a taller opponent from Spennymoor.
“One Adam Cope” sang the crowd in the opening round at the National Schoolboys silver medallist and the 14-year-old produced some excellent boxing throughout all three rounds.
Plummer played his part but Adam had the edge throughout. A Cope win was inevitable although there was a slight surprise that is was by a majority. The judges scored it 22-23, 11-9, 14-15.
Danny topped the bill and faced another old foe and it proved a titanic contest against Empire’s Gary Reed. The Blyth boxer even rocked Danny at one stage but the 20-year-old toughed it out for a close, but deserved, points win to complete a brilliant season.
Ryan Brown, like Adam, was a beaten finalist at the National Schoolboys finals.
But he showed his skills at the Clippie Club by outpointing Middlesbrough ABC’s Jordan Rooke.
Brown began well against the southpaw but Rooke grew in confidence as the bout progressed. Thankfully, Brown stepped it up late on and got home on a majority decision, 9-8, 12-10, 7-11.
Dwayne Douglas made a welcome ring return to outpoint Anthony Reed (Middlesbrough) but there was a points defeat for Chris Noble, the daddy of the team at 27, who was edge out on points by Dean Laing (Howden).
“It was a shame for Chris,” said coach Wayne Short. “But I’ve got to say it was a fabulous night and all the lads boxed great.”
A FABULOUS NIGHT OF BOXING
That was the verdict of Gus Robinson after the success of the amateur show run by the club with his name.
Gus Robinson Developments ABC staged a promotion at the Corporation Club, where five of the six boxers from the Stranton House camp all triumphed.
Talented brothers Luke, Adam and Danny Cope all won, as did teenage starlet Ryan Brown and comeback kid Dwayne Douglas. Only a narrow defeat for Chris Noble prevented a clean sweep for the Robinson team.
Gus said he was “thrilled” by the show, which drew a large crowd to the Clippie Club.
“I was delighted with the boxers and the show,” said the Hartlepool and East Durham businessman. “It was nice to see the club full of families and there was as great atmosphere.
“People could enjoy a drink if they wanted and enjoy the boxing. Everyone inside the club mixed well and enjoyed the evening.
“The 12 contests went off very well and it was a fabulous night of boxing.”
Several principal figures from the Gus Robinson camp were in attendance, including Peter Cope, Alan Temple, Paul Wainwright and Nigel Wright. Peter Cope Jnr and Wright handed out the trophies to the boxers.
And Gus had praise too for his two coaches at Gus Robinson Developments ABC, Tony Martin and Wayne Short.
“Tony and Wayne are doing an outstanding job at the club,” said Gus. “That was proved at the show at the Corporation Club.”
TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
That is the prospect facing Peter Cope Jnr when he makes his second professional appearance.
The Gus Robinson-managed prospect will box at the Stadium of Light in a “special” outdoor promotion on Sunday, July 3.
Phil Jeffries, dad of former Olympic bronze medallist Tony, will promote the event in association with Hartlepool trainer Neil Fannan, with Fannan’s cruiserweight star David Dolan topping the bill in a battle with Birtley’s Jon Lewis Dickinson for the Northern Area title.
However, the appearance of Peter Cope will be eagerly awaited following his successful debut in March in Doncaster.
The 19-year-old has had his trials and tribulations following a road traffic accident when he was fortunate to escape serious injury.
Dad and coach Peter Cope Snr said: “He’s back in the gym and back out on the roads and training as hard as he ever has.
“We’re grateful to Neil and Phil for a place on the show. Boxing on a big outdoor event at the Stadium of Light should be something special.”
GO OUT AND ENJOY YOURSELF.
That was the message from boss Gus Robinson to Nigel Wright on the eve of the maiden defence of his English light-welterweight title.
Wright has been challenged by Sheffield’s Nicki Smedley and the 31-year-old Hartlepool boxer puts his crown on the line in the Steel City at Hillsborough Leisure Centre.
It looks a dangerous assignment for the Gus Robinson team.
Smedley, nicknamed ‘Nightmare’, is undefeated with 14 straight wins on his fight log, and is seen as an up and coming talent.
Dad and coach, Chris, hopes they are meeting Wright when he is on his way down.
However, Gus believes Wright is living up to his name in terms of how he’s living his life and the effort he’s putting into his training.
“The indications are that he is certainly focused on this fight,” said the Stranton House boss.
“I got a nice text off Nigel the other day to say that he wanted to be British champion but not to worry about not being focused on this title defence. He said all his thoughts were on this bout.
“It was good to know his motivation is there but so too is his focus.
“This lad is a bit taller and he’s very awkward and possibly a bit of a spoiler.
“Nigel I believe should have sufficient experience and ability to win and, of course, he has 10 rounds to do it in.
“I’d like to see him go out and enjoy himself, use his skills and experience, and listen to Peter in the corner.
“It is a difficult fight but Nigel has the tools to go there and win.”
