Cooper: Vaughan is in very deep waters

Shaun Cooper…oozing confidence as title fight approaches

BLACK Country warrior Shaun Cooper has a simple message for Ben Vaughan, the man he meets with the Midlands light-welter title on the line.

Shaun warned: “You’re entering deep waters!”

The 26-year-old has a point. Southpaw Vaughan has a 5-0 record – all on points, four over the apprentice four round distance. He’s never been beyond six rounds.

Cooper, from Willenhall, has faced real iron in an 18 bout career. He’s coming off a courageous points defeat to Sam Maxwell, soon to fight for the British title.

Vaughan has home advantage for the June 2 clash. The scheduled 10 rounder takes place before his fans at Northampton’s Park Inn Hotel.

Shaun – dubbed The Scorpion – is quick to point out that’s the only advantage the 23-year-old has over him.

“It doesn’t matter,” he shrugged. “I’d fight him in his own kitchen if I had to.”

Cooper is a man relishing the task ahead. After a stream of contests where the odds have been stacked against him, Shaun has a title fight where he believes he holds the upper hand.

“He hasn’t faced anyone like me,” he pointed out. “He hasn’t faced anyone with my experience. It’s time to turn the tables. There’s a win there for me.

“I’ve faced real tough opponents and I don’t think people realise that.

“He hasn’t faced the kind of people I’ve been in with, he hasn’t faced anyone with the knowledge I’ve gained from being in with those people.

“I feel confident. They were saying I’d get blown away by Maxwell and I held my own. Am I better for that loss? One hundred per cent. I think I was lacking a bit of belief in myself and it made me believe in my ability.

“I’m not doubting or underestimating Ben, but I’m ready to be there for the full 10 rounds. I know very little about him. I haven’t watched him. I know he’s a southpaw, I know he likes to put it on you.

“But I do know one thing – it’s a big ask for him.”