Hartlepool to fight Barnsley in Darlington as Peter Cope faces Brad Botham

Boxer Peter Cope during a training session. Picture by FRANK REID

The Hartlepool prospect will take on Yorkshire’s Brad “Beefy” Botham at Darlington on May 13.

And the Gus Robinson Developments team hope to use this eight-round top-of-the-bill contest at the Dolphin Centre to propel the 24-year-old into the upper echerlons at lightweight.

“We wanted a proper fight for Peter and that’s just what we’ve got,” said Gus Robinson Develoments head coach Peter Cope Snr.

“The matchmaker rang us and said ‘this kid comes to fight’ so he ticked the boxes for us.

“He’s young, ambitious and has fought for the Central Area title.

“It’s a contest Peter needs not only to win but put in a performance.”

Cope Jnr should triumph in a match which will be for the British Promoters Association lightweight challenge belt.

Botham is no mug, the 21-year from Barnsley has three wins and a draw from seven appearances, one of his three losses being a points decision for the Central Area lightweight crown.

Cope, meanwhile, also has three blemishes on his record, but from 15 outings, the three all coming in championship-standard contests.

While it is not a make-or-break fight it cold prove a career-defining night.

“Peter has loads of ability,” said his coach and dad.

“He has shown it in flashes but what we need now is more consistency.

“One of Peter’s issues is that he’s forever tryng to force the fight.

“Yes, there are times you have to do that, but he doesn’t have to do it all the time.

“We want hin to relax more, let the boxing flow.

“He’s a nice boxer and is in fantastic shape – now we want him to take that into the ring

“Peter’s had 15 fights and, to an extent, has had his apprenticeship.

“Now is the time for him to step up to the plate and produce what we know he can.

“I’m confident he cam go on and fight for and win at title level so this will be an important night for him.”

Tickets are on sale for the event, contact Peter on 07815991247.