Ollie can be in the mix for a British title, says trainer Carter

Ollie Cooper…boxes on March 8. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

OLLIE Cooper – tall, technically correct Midlands super-middleweight champ – has turned a corner and is ready for much bigger things, his trainer pledged.

Not only Cooper’s stock, but his confidence has risen following his scintillating stoppage of tough Liam O’Hare for the 12st belt. In his Cannock home town, Ollie uncorked a career best performance to overwhelm the defending champ in six.

It was a showing that came as no surprise to trainer Richard Carter. He has always maintained Cooper will be at his best against opponents who come to fight and push back the 24-year-old. O’Hare certainly came to wage war.

The southpaw is now unbeaten in nine and ranked ninth in the country. That means a British title shot is no longer a dream.

While waiting for championship chances, Cooper ticks over with an appearance on Black Country Boxing Promotions’ show at the Hangar, Wolverhampton, on March 8. It should be a bout to keep ring-rust at bay. Cooper and his team will be aware,however, plenty of fighters have paid the price for looking beyond their next contest.

“The difference winning the Midlands title has made has been massive,” Carter said. “It’s taken Ollie to a new level. He’s mustard.”

Cooper was offered an English title shot in January, but his team wisely declined.

“He wanted a break through Christmas, which was understandable after the Liam fight,” Carter explained. “It was too soon.”

His time will come.

“Ollie is a more confident person,” Carter said. “He needed a fight with someone who’d have a go at him and bring it out of him and Liam is as tough as old boots.

“There’s talk of (British champion) Callum Simpson  vacating and there’s no reason why Ollie’s name wouldn’t be put out in the mix for a British title fight. One hundred per cent, I think he’s British title level, he’s a very, very talented lad – and fans haven’t seen the best of him yet. There’s much more to come.”

Carter added: “I know what Ollie can do, I know what he’s capable of. He’s a different fighter now. He’s confident, he really wants to do things.”

It’s shaping-up to be a big year for Cooper and Carter’s Wolverhampton gym.