Peter Cope faces Abdon Cesar in title derby British Promoters Association Challenge lightweight belt bout

Boxer Peter Cope working out with his dad and trainer Peter. Picture by FRANK REID

The eight-round British Promoters Association Challenge lightweight belt battle in Gateshead could prove a defining moment for Peter Cope Jnr.

Victory for the Hartlepool boxer will move him back in contention up the ladder after slipping off with last summer’s Northern Area championship defeat to John Green at the Stadium of Light.

Defeat would be a bitter blow but Cope Snr is confident this will prove a turning point for the 25-year-old.

The Gus Robinson Developments head coach feels the southpaw is now a changed fighter having sparred with world champion Anthony Crolla and world title challenger Liam Smith.

Daddy Cope believes those sessions in Bolton at Joe Gallagher’s gym have done the trick.

“Crolla has retained his title in a brilliant win and is one of the best lightweights anywhere,” said the trainer.

“Smith has not long fought for the world title in America.

“Getting that sort of exposure is immeasurable.

“But the best thing it did was Peter now knows how good he is.

“I know how good he is, but after holding his own against these men he now knows as well.

“I know sparring and fighting are different entities, headguards, big gloves etc, but it has brought him belief.

“I’m looking forward to the Cesar fight and seeing Peter perform.”

Cope Snr is confident his boxer will register the 13th win of his career against the Stockton-based boxer at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

It won’t be easy - the 30-year-old Cameroon-born fighter is a 2012 Olympian and will be motivated by a rare appearance in his adopted North-East.

But the Hartlepool coach believes the improvement shown in the gym by his boy will be borne out where it matters, in the square ring.

“It should show,” said the 49-year-old. “Peter’s a class act, but he has to do it in the ring.

“A few times he hasn’t quite turned up, but you also have to remember he’s only been beaten in championship-level bouts.

“Of those, one was a terrible afternoon [Green], one kid was above his level [Mitchell Smith] and the other [Andy Townend] caught him with heavy shots.

“Peter is a good boxer, hopefully we’ll get to see how good.”

For ticket info, call Peter on 07815991247.