World champions motivate new-boys

The visit of two former world champions to Shaun Cooper's new gym in Dudley has left his fighters under no illusions of what it takes to reach the top.

Former WBC welterweight champion John H Stracey and ex-WBO light middleweight title holder Paul 'Silky' Jones were the special guests at 'Coops Boxing Camp' in Brockmoor, Brierley Hill.

Cooper co-owns the site with local businessman James Lane but it was ex-pro Peter Jackson, a one-time Midlands champion from Halesowen who still trains at the gym, who arranged the visit.

To rub shoulders with the world champions was meant to motivate their fighters into what can be done, with four professionals currently boxing out of the gym.

Coseley's Jamie Ball won a Midlands title this year while Cradley's Chris Male has a chance to go one better and win the vacant English crown, with a hotly-anticipated clash with Joe Murray to come on November 26.

Stourbridge's Steven Pearce and Brierley Hill's Kyle Spencer are the new pros in the gym and Pearce takes in his second paid bout on November 18, as part of a dinner show at Walsall Town Hall.

But there has been no luck for Spencer, who has pulled out of his planned fight on the card and missed the chance to lay his hands on the belts, having to work instead!

Cooper said: "When the lads saw the belts, I told them that there was no reason why, if they dedicate themselves, they can't be champions.

"Jamie has done it and Chris has got his chance, now keep an eye on these two. I don't see why they all can't do it, if they do what they are told.

"Everyone has been telling me how much they stood out in their first fight, but they need experience and we are working a lot on technique with them.

"I am as excited about working with these two lads as I was with Jamie and Chris when they started out."

Tickets are available from Walsall Town Hall by calling 0845 111 2900 or by contacting promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.