Cope. It’s a name synonymous with boxing.
First thought is often to Hartlepool’s ‘Barmy Army’, the colourful legion of fans seen and heard cheering Peter or Daniel to Northern Area title glory and much more.
Neither Peter nor Daniel box any more but another of the boxing brothers is on the comeback trail and will have the Barmy Army in his corner at Houghton on Saturday, November 13.
Adam Cope is poised (and excited) to make his ring return at the bumper Rainton Arena event staged by Phil Jeffries, in association with MTK Global.
The 25-year-old faces a tough and experienced opponent in Derbyshire’s Lee Connelly, who has boxed with honour in the region before, notably against Glenn Foot in Sunderland and, ironically, against Peter Cope in Hartlepool.
It will be 49 months since Adam’s last pro fight, which was also his first, a four-round debut success against Youssef Al Hamidi at the Borough Hall.
So why’s he back?
“I missed it too much,” he told punch-lines. “It was never my intention to stop, but life became dead busy.
“One month out became two months, then it was one year, then it was two.
“I did come back last summer but everything got put on hold because of Covid.
“It feels great to have a fight and I can’t emphsise how good I feel.
“When I made my debut I was still a young lad really but four years on I believe I’ve got my man strength and I feel great.
“Lee’s a tough lad and I’m expecting a hard fight but I’m ready for it.”
Adam was with the famous Gus Robinson Developments gym as an amateur, turned pro with the brilliant boxing partnership of Neil Fannan and Dave Garside and now, on his comeback, will be boxing out of the New Welfare gym, one of four clubs in Hartlepool.
He is coached by Andrew Close, a former pro with Fannan and Garside, with Fanno still very much on the scene.
“Peter was training me when I came back but he had too much on with work,” said Adam. “Closey’s a very good coach and someone I get on well with and Neil still helps me out as much as he can.
“He’ll not interfere but if there’s something to say or recommend he’ll do it. When Neil speaks, you listen.
“Training and sparring have gone great – I didn’t really think I’d feel this good this quickly but I do and I can’t wait to get in there.”
An exciting boxer to watch, the ex-English amateur champ and Senior England Championship semi-finalist will be backed by a big Barmy Army contingent.
“I can’t thank them enough for their support,” he added. “It means the world to me and I’ll be aiming to not just get the win but look good too.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
