YOUNG Worcester boxer Owen Cooper will resume a long-term plan to prove himself as the best of British when he makes his professional debut later this month.
Worcester’s Cooper turns over and joins the welterweight division, with Malcolm Melvin training him ahead of the switch.
He features on BCB Promotions’ show at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, September 28. The bill is titled ‘Brawl at the Hall’.
The teenage prospect, who turned 19 just 11 days before his next ring assignment, has previously sampled success from a stellar amateur career.
He became an England Youth national champion last year, before stepping up to the seniors for the 2019 England Elite competition.
Cooper scored a unanimous points result over Youness Baati, who has featured for Morocco Atlas Lions in the World Series of Boxing.
Second seed Elliott Whale ended his run in the national quarter-finals, squeezing past him on a split decision.
Cooper has also represented England on four occasions, recording three wins for his country, and secured silver when competing in the GB Championships.
His amateur ledger finished on 41 outings, with 32 wins, including 17 successes over fellow national champions. He represented his hometown outfit, Worcester City Boxing Club.
His preparations for the pros have seen him spar with BCB stable-mates Sid Bowater and Levi Ferguson, plus fellow former amateur star Tommy Collins.
Cooper is planning to hit the heights that eluded him in the unpaid ranks, where he consistently pitted himself against his rivals.
He said: “I did well as an amateur, even after winning the national title. I only went out of the Elites on a split and I beat the Moroccan lad unanimously.
“I boxed a few times for England, but I never really felt like my face fit. I would always do well in sparring, but it never seemed to get me anywhere.
“Sparring with the pros is a different level, I’ve found that the pace is slower and you get hit harder. I’ve soaked it all up and got used to it.
“I beat some good opponents, as an amateur, and I don’t see why I can’t do the same as a pro. My aim is the British title, I would be living the dream from there.
“It’s exciting to make my debut and, as soon as the bell goes, the nerves will go out of the window and I’ll do what I do,” he added.
