Coach '˜hard done to' after Peter Cope points loss to Paul Hyland Jnr

Peter Cope gets throufh with a right against Paul Hyland. Picture by LAWRENCE LUSTIG

Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports staged the first night of the NXTGEN Series, an event to showcase some of the UK’s best talentwho are bubbling just under the surface.

And how Cope and Hyland bubbled last night, producing a cracking lightweight contest, the unbeaten Belfast boxer making it 15 wins from 15 with a 78-76 points verdict from Jeff Hinds.

It was a bout won, via very small margins by the 26-year-old, from Northern Ireland.

Fannan though was fuming with the decision.

“I really didn’t think we lost that,” said the coach.

“I thought if we didn’t win, it would at least have been a draw.

“I honestly don’t think we lost that because Peter outboxed him.

“There was only round I told Peter off.

“I’ll have to watch it again but, for me, Peter blocked most of Paul’s right hand with his glove.

“I can’t hide my disappointment. I just don’t think he lost – we deserved something.

“I know some coaches will say their man won even if they haven’t but I don’t think I’m like that, I’m honest enough to say if we’ve lost. But I don’t see how Hyland’s got that.

“I’m just pleased people can get to watch it on telly and they can judge for themselves.”

“I do feel hard done to.”

Fannan though was, with justification, proud of the NSL-sponsored 25-year-old who was fighting for the trainer for only the second time.

“Peter boxed out of his skin,” he said. “He outboxed him and I didn’t see Hyland outfight him.

“That’s what makes me feel so unlucky.”