Perfect learning fight for Cannock’s Ollie

Ollie Cooper celebrates victory at Excelsior Sporting Club

EXCEPTIONALLY tall middle Ollie Cooper was given the perfect six round baptism by tungsten tough Eastern European Pavol Garaj at the Excelsior Sporting Club last night (Thursday)

Spurred on by noisy support at the Premier Suite, in Ollie’s home town of Cannock, the southpaw was made to graft for his win, particularly down the stretch.

Southpaw Cooper, however, dominated for long spells, bagging a 60-55 decision from referee Ryan Churchill. Presumably, the official gave rugged Garaj a share of the last when he opened up with hooks.

Ollie boxed very nicely and kept his shape during the brief periods of pressure. That’s what you want from a pro still wearing L Plates.

Ollie, now 6-0 and progressing nicely under the tutelage of respected trainer Richie Carter, acknowledged Garaj made him work for victory.

“He took me into deep waters,” the 22-year-old told me afterwards. “And that’s what I need. It was a great platform.”

Garaj is a very hard man who has mixed in good company: last time out, the Slovakian took English title contender River Wilson-Bent the full six rounds.

What’s more, he’s near blast proof. The 36-year-old may have now lost 42 of 53, but only one opponent has prevented him from hearing the final bell.

There’s a lot to like about Cooper, although I’m not sure how long he can squeeze his 6ft 4ins frame into the middleweight division. A move to 12st may beckon.

Coach Carter has taught him to apply pressure at long range, work the body from the outside and added a whiplash quality to his backhand.

I felt Cooper felt the pace in the latter stages – and when his shots shortened, Garaj attempted to drag him into the trenches.

Ollie dominated the first two rounds, keeping Garaj at the end of a very long jab, then strafing his body with the same hand.

By the third, Ollie (12st 2lbs 3oz) had found another gear and was hitting with more spite. A neat uppercut jarred the visitor’s head back, a booming left found the target and Garaj shipped a right to the body on the bell.

The fourth gave Pavol (12st 3lbs 4oz) some hope. Ollie, perhaps feeling the pace, appeared more prepared to mix it at close range and copped a right for his trouble.

The local lad re-established himself in the fifth with stinging shots to head and body and began the final round with straight lefts down the pipe.

Garaj, intent on staging a grandstand finish, landed a left hook and finally drew Cooper into toe-to-toe exchanges as the finishing line approached.

Ollie knew he’d been in a fight – and will be a better fighter for it.

Giddy with victory, he actually sang to his jubilant supporters from ring centre.

Take it from me. Richie Carter may make Ollie Cooper a menace in the ring. Judging by his voice, he’s already a menace at the karaoke mike.