Wright faces unbeaten Irishman Paul McCloskey next Saturday over 10 rounds in Limerick, where it would seem, at first glance, that only pride is at stake.

Indeed, the 29-year-old could have been enjoying a summer holiday ahead of returning to training for an English light-welterweight title defence against Derby's Scott Haywood in September.

However, Cope said his boxer had no hesitation in accepting an exciting match with the IBF international title holder in Ireland.

"Nigel's 29 and is at the stage of his life and career when he needs to fight," said Cope.

"But the great thing is he wants to fight people like McCloskey.
"It's better than sitting at home getting older.

"Admittedly there will be no title on the line and it's not an official eliminator.

"But a win will open doors for him and that's why he's taken this fight.
"When he wins, he can say 'I've beaten McCloskey, a top kid with 16 wins out of 16 and beaten him in Ireland'."

Wright missed out on the Commonwealth championship back in February when he faded to lose on points against Ajose Olusegun, despite making an impressive start.

While all three judges – Phil Edwards, Howard Foster and John Keane – sided with the African (each scored it 116-113) the bout convinced Cope and boss Gus Robinson that Wright deserves to be sitting at the top of the light-welterweight table.

"I'd put Nigel in with absolutely anyone – he's just given the number four in the world on the WBC rankings (Olusegun] all sorts of chew," he said.

"Nigel needs to make an opening for himself and this could be it.
"He's got an English title defence lined up for September, against Scott Haywood, but this fight in Ireland could be the vital one."

While Cope acknowledges McCloskey will start as favourite, he believes his boxer won't be scared about the assignment in Limerick.

"Nigel's probably boxed at the higher level and his last nine or 10 fights have either been championship bouts or against top men," said Cope.

"They've all been live opponents and, to be fair to Nigel, he's never ducked anyone.

"Loads have ducked him, Young Muttley, Ashley Theophane and Gavin Rees, to name three, but Nigel's always said he'd fight anyone and has been true to his word.

"He wants to fight for titles – he would take on Amir Khan tomorrow – his attitude is fantastic like that."