High Hopes For Cooper

Ollie Cooper should definitely stand out in the super welterweight division as the towering operator turns over to the pro code.

His introduction will take place on BCB Promotions’ show in Wolverhampton, at the Hangar Events Venue (Pearson Street), when fight night arrives on Friday October 1.

Cooper is 6ft 4in, giving him an obvious height advantage over most of his rivals, and insists he can mix it up as the situation dictates in battle.

The 21-year-old, from Cannock, brings with him a solid amateur grounding that saw him claim two area titles and reach a national final in the England Youth Championships.

He signed off from unpaid action with 18 wins from 26 bouts, finishing up at Wolverhampton Boxing Club where his pro ambitions grew.

The switch comes along under the same roof, as part of Richie Carter’s Pro Boxing Stable, with Carter a decorated amateur and former pro himself.

Carter made his own pro debut on his 18th birthday, the year after becoming a national amateur champion in the 1987 junior ABAs. He went to record 10 victories from 12 outings.

The head coach has high hopes for Cooper, who is a steel-worker by day with a regimented approach to both his training and living arrangements.

Cooper is planning to use his god-given attributes to great effect going forward, but reckons there is much more to his game than just size.

He said: “I have a busy life, I work shifts which are 5.30am to 3.30pm one week and 5am-5pm the next, then I’m in the gym five days of the week.

“It all puts me in good stead and I’ve been buzzing getting ready for my debut. I’m looking to make a name for myself and this is the first step.

“I had a decent amateur career, but I don’t think I had the opportunities that I should have had. I started at Great Wyrley (Boxing Club) and then moved to Rugeley (Police BC).

“I made the trip to Richie (Carter) and haven’t looked back since. He’s been in the game himself, so he knows what he’s talking about.

“I’ve got my own place now, too, which means I can focus on myself and what I need to do, which is what you have to do as a boxer.

“I can have my alone time when I want, I’m getting used to cooking for myself and pre-preparing meals, so my diet is on point.

“Everyone knows that I’m freakishly tall for my weight, but my man strength has just about come through now and that will help with the punching power.

“I’ve got a naturally thin frame, my metabolism means I never put much weight and, of course, I’m going to use that to my advantage in boxing.

“My style is to stick and move and get around the ring, but I can stand there and trade as well. I fancy my chances, as a pro, so it’s exciting times.”

The show is topped by Conah Walker versus Jamie Stewart for the Midlands Area Welterweight Title.

The undercard is stacked with local talent with Wolverhampton’s Kirstie Bavington, debutants Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards (Wolverhampton), Lewis Morris (Walsall) and Alex Round (Wednesfield) are all in action alongside Dudley’s Ethan Collins

All boxers weigh-in at The Hangar on Thursday at 1:30pm. The event is free to the public to attend and we’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to what is fast approaching a SELL OUT Show!

VIP Tickets for the Hangar bill have all sold out and there will be no ticket sales on the evening. A handful of standard tickets priced at £40 plus booking fee are available from MyFightTickets.com.

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