Hartlepool United v Hull City. A Football League match up from years gone by, though there is a couple of divisions now between the old ports.
But it’s a clash that’s back on for oner night only, in the boxing ring anyway, at neutral Sheffield this evening, when Adam Cope, in the blue and white of his beloved Pools, tackles Lewis Sylvester for the English lightweight title.
It looks a real belter between two boxers on the up in the sport.
Unbeaten Cope is just eight fights into his career at the age of 27, but he did have four years off, while his rival has four more wins on his 11-0 record with three stoppages to his credit.
Sylvester is on the flashy side, very adept at switching, but he’ll be up against a fighter with an amazing work-rate, not to mention a penchant for a hook to the body.
Cope also has an incredible desire and he’s not at the Sheffield Arena tonight just to sample the bright lights of Matchroom and DAZN.
“I’m ready to step in and take it,” he said of the vacant English belt.
“I think a lot of people in boxing know about me but now it’s time to show everyone else what I can do.
“I think I can do everything – box, punch, come forward and mix it up and work them out when I’m in there.”
Cope’s attributes make him a strong contender, though Sylvester does have one notable advantage, his height and reach, though thew Andrew Close-coached boxer is not fazed.
“I think he’s about 5ft 10in so he’s a couple of inches taller than me,” said Adam, who will also have top trainer Neil Fannan in his corner.
“I’m not the tallest at my weight but I normally do better against the taller lads.”
He’s put in considerable hours in the gym and, to replicate the tricky factor of Sylvester, he’s had a very apt sparring partner.
“I’ve sparred Tommy Ward mainly, while he’s not as tall as the lad I’m fighting, he’s got the ideal style,” said Cope, who will have the Barmy Army supporting him in the Steel City.
“I’ve got loads of support coming and I’m not going to let them down.”
Cope v Sylvester opens the televised part of the show and top of the bill looks like being another domestic belter as Dalton Smith faces Sam Maxwell.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
