Cooper in cracking English title contest

Owen Cooper…big opportunity on big Resorts World bill

WORCESTER red hot prospect Owen Cooper has the major title fight he has craved and so richly deserves. And it’s an absolute barnstormer.

Cooper, trained by former top Birmingham pro Malcolm Melvin, will meet highly regarded Eithan James for the English welter belt on the March 16 Frank Warren mega televised bill at Resorts World.

That’s a five star contest between two young men tipped for very big things. It’s a coming of age for both boxers.

Cooper, unbeaten in nine, looked something special in trouncing tough Jamie Stewart for the Midlands title, but was below his mercurial best last time out. He had to take some clumping southpaw uppercuts from dangerous Robin Zamora before grinding out a points win.

The 23-year-old, who has a big following, has been itching for a major opportunity on the big stage.

James, from Kettering, has won all 12 pro outings and last time out underlined his potential by outpointing James Moorcroft for the WBO portion of the European welterweight belt. That win, screened on TV, earmarked him for big things.

As the old adage goes, at Resorts World someone’s “0” has got to go – and the victor can surely look forward to a British title shot.

It has the hallmarks of being the night’s best fight.

Trainer Melvin agrees. He said: “It’s a big fight for both, they are two very good lads. It’s a good fight between two very good, very exciting lads. There’s a lot to play for, a lot to aim for and the winner should get a shot at the British title.

“It’s a breakthrough fight for us and we feel we can do the job, but he’ll feel exactly the same way.

“Owen’s last performance wasn’t one of his best, but it wasn’t one of his worst. Everyone knows what he can do and if he produces what we’ve seen him do on the night, I think he wins. It’s a great fight, a clash of styles that could produce the best fight of the night.

“James is a very nice boxer, he switches with ease from orthodox to southpaw. He’s a very good boxer, a good operator with a fantastic fanbase. We respect James and how hard we will train will show how much we respect him. There is no greater way of showing your respect than through the commitment you put in and our commitment will be 120 per cent.”

Melvin added: “We fancy it, big time, but Eithan James will fancy it as well. There’s no malice, they are both good lads. We really can’t wait.”