Exciting, dynamic, explosive.
Those are the words used to describe Luke Cope who will be making his third professional appearance this weekend.
The description comes from coach Imran Naeem who will be in the Cope corner for the New Kidz on the Block show in Houghton.
Cope has had a change in opponent at the 10-fight event promoted by Phil Jeffries and Steve Wraith at Rainton Meadows Arena.
The 21-year-old had been due to take on Lee Connelly, but the Derbyshire fighter was ruled out, so Baltic boxer Simas Volosinas steps in.
Cope, managed by Frank Warren, has won both professional outings, an exquisite showing on debut against Naheem Chaudry in Darlington before beating Dean Jones at Dunston, both on points.
That Luke hits people for money is no surprise it would have been a shock of he didn’t.
The son of renowned Hartlepool trainer, Peter Cope, Luke is the fourth of the Cope brothers to have turned pro and the quartet’s record currently stands at 24 wins, with only seven defeats.
Peter Jnr, Daniel and Adam are currently out of action, but Luke, a former English lightweight belt holder as an amateur with Gus Robinson Developments ABC is flying the Copey flag with distinction.
He is based out of the Natural Progression Boxing Academy in Stockton, where he is guided by Imran Naeem.
“Luke is fantastic, he’s a fighter to the sole of his boots, “ said the trainer, who also coaches Joe Maphosa and Terry Tyers., both of whom will box on the same show.
“He’s from a huge family whose lads seem to have been born to love the game!
“Luke is a super-sharp kid and I’m looking for him to use that natural talent he has.
“I want him to be more patient and use his boxing skills and he knows that.
“In his first fight he produced a clinical performance, it was perfect demonstration of hit and not get hit.
“But in his last bout he allowed himself to be dragged in to a fight.
“He is very exciting, very dynamic, very explosive but we want to bring all that out at the right time.”
That time is Saturday when Warren/ Naeem team-mate ‘Smokin Joe” will be out to do the same.
Maphosa is involved in the main event against Leicester’s ex-English champ Louis Norman, while Tyers has a tricky one against Bolton’s Chris Jenkinson.
Tickets will be available on the door on the night.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
