Ambitious Adam Cope is to fight for his first national title as a professional this summer.
Unbeaten Hartlepool talent Adam takes on Hull’s Lewis Sylvester for the vacant English lightweight belt at a venue and a date to be announced.
The 26-year-old Northern Area champion is relishing his showdown with Sylvester, who has won all 11 of his contests, including three inside the distance.
Success against the 25-year-old would move him up the ratings and closer to a shot at the British championship.
“It’s a big opportunity for me,” said Adam, who has won all six of his paid contests.
“It’s a fight that could change my career and change my life if I go and do it on the night.”
Sylvester will, doubtless, start as favourite given he has the greater number of wins and will be sat in the home corner, wherever the bout gets staged.
But Cope, while respectful of his opponent’s record, will not be overrawed.
“Sylvester is a bit of a boxer,” said Cope.
“His record is a good one, he looks a bit flashy and switches stances a bit.
“It looks like a bit of a clash of styles so it should be a good fight for the fans as well as for us.
“They’ve probably looked at my record and thought ‘he hasn’t stopped anyone’ and picked me.
“It makes no odds to me to be the away fighter, I’ve been in the away corner loads of times in the amateurs.
“All the pressure is on him being at home, I know what I’m capable of doing and if I box at my best I know I can win.”
There is little to compare the two rivals but both men beat Seaham’s Jordan Ellison last year – Sylvester over six rounds with a 59-56 scoreline while Cope defeated his old Gus Robinson Developments gym comrade 98-93 to lift the Northern Area title at the Stadium of Light.
“I’ve not watched a lot of him yet, but I’ve had a look at his last fight and some of his win over Jordan Ellison,” said the Andrew Close-trained boxer, pictured above with his coach and Neil Fannan (right).
“I think Jordan thought he was worthy of at least a draw but Jordan often has success against everyone he boxes.
“Lewis is there to be hit, but I’ve got to get it right on the night.”
A July date looks likely, but first Cope is excited to be boxing in his hometown first on Sunday, May 28.
The Mayfair Centre in Seaton Carew will be the stage for a five-fight show, with Cope topping the bill over six rounds against an opponent to be announced.
“There has been no thought of pulling out,” said Adam, who has not fought since a four-round points success over Karl Sampson in Houghton last November.
“I’ve already been in training for it and there are loads of people wanting to go and watch.
“I’ve not boxed in nearly six months so I think the fight will do me good rather than be a hindrance.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
