Owen coach ‘super confident’ of beating James in title battle

Owen Cooper…facing his biggest test at Resorts World

THE countdown has begun for a quality battle of unbeatens that has all the ingredients of serving up thrills, skills and fireworks.

Make no mistake, the clash between Owen Cooper and Eithan James – on the superb, televised March 16 Resorts World Arena, Birmingham show – is of the highest calibre. It is a cocktail of science and savagery, a true 50-50 affair between two hungry young boxers on the way up.

It is, quite simply, a “must watch” for any self respecting fan. Cooper, aged 23, is 9-0, James, the same age, is 12-0.

Someone is going to taste defeat for the first time.

And with each day, Cooper’s trainer Malcolm Melvin appears more bullish, even more confident the Worcester welter will shine in his biggest test.

“We are supremely confident,” Melvin said.

The pair meet for the vacant English title and the WBO European belt Northampton’s James won last time out in a career best performance. Last July, at Telford International Centre, he outpointed Jamie Moorcroft.

But the prize is much bigger than those two belts. The winner will have opened the door to a British title fight.

Cooper and Melvin at a boxing awards event

Cooper dazzled in outpointing tough Jamie Stewart for the Midlands title, but his bright star dimmed a little after encountering difficult rounds against dangerous southpaw Robin Zamora.

Zamora went on to show his worth by outpointing Dylan Cheema. The Nicaraguan is no journeyman looking for a payday.

“It is a very good fight between two very good fighters,” Melvin said of the forthcoming tussle. “I just don’t think James has fought anyone near Owen’s quality. Owen’s a skilful, strong, dangerous welterweight.

“I think Moorcroft was disappointing that night (of the James loss). We know what Eithan James is going to bring and we’re prepared for it – we’ll have a lot more than a Plan B. He’s a very good boxer, but he’s not a great puncher.

“It’s a massive fight for both of them, you don’t have to build-up this fight, it’s a great fight on a great bill. It will be the same for them, but we are supremely confident, super confident. Eithan James is going to have to prove himself.

“Everyone wants to see a good fight and I hope we have a strong referee because I can see James trying to spoil and smother.”

“The Owen Cooper you see on March 16 will be the best Owen Cooper you’ve seen,” Melvin vowed. “I think a British title is well within his level.”