Shaun given medical OK for a ring return

Cooper…looking to fight again before the end of year at light-welter

SHAUN Cooper, the Black Country warrior whose career appeared wrecked by a freak injury sustained at home, is returning to the ring.

At Saturday’s Planet Ice show, the Willlenhall 26-year-old, who fought some of Britain’s best at lightweight, revealed he’s been given medical clearance to resume his career.

He hopes to box by the end of the year and will campaign at light-welter (10 stone).

Shaun said: “I’ve been told there’s no longer an issue and I can box again. I can’t wait.”

The good news comes just over three months after Cooper was forced to hang up his gloves. He made the heartbreaking announcement on the very eve of a Midlands title fight.

Shaun suffered a fractured skull after falling downstairs while playing with his daughter and, back then, was plagued by headaches.

Time appears to have healed the issue.

He returns with a record of 13 wins in 18 contests – and those losses came against the division’s real iron.

He took contests on major shows with the odds stacked massively against him, yet made a mockery of predictions he’d be blown away.

Cooper, initially trained by Pete Hickenbottom before switching to Martin Gethin, emerged as one of the country’s hottest prospects after amassing a nine fight unbeaten run and outpointing thunderous punching Boy Jones Jnr for the WBO youth lightweight crown.

In his 10th fight, Shaun tasted defeat for the first time. He started a heavy favourite against Birmingham’s Jack O’Keeffe with the Midlands title on the line, but was stopped by body punches in four.

In latter years, the fighter dubbed The Scorpion has taken very tough assignments on big bills – and acquitted himself well. He showed he could handle the step-up and big occasion.

Mark Chamberlain had won all six bouts – four by stoppage – when he faced Cooper, but was pushed all the way to an eight round points decision.

Shaun was seen as cannon fodder for KO artist Sam Noakes who had won all his seven fights early. With the WBC international silver belt on the line, Cooper dragged Noakes into waters deeper than he’s ever been before. The Black Country lad’s brave challenge came to an end in the ninth.

And in his last bout, Cooper showed guts and guile to take former British champ Sam Maxwell the full distance. That was a fine performance and a fitting farewell.

He is a top operator – and, I’m sure, more big fights await the father-of-two, this time at a higher division.