Hartlepool boxer Luke Cope defends English belt with win over Macauley Owen

The Hartlepool boxer clinched the belt in December when he beat Danny Quartermaine in Leamington Spa.

And his maiden defence took him to similar pastures, beating Macaulay Owen, from Coventry University, at Donnington.

It was another superb display from the Gus Robinson Developments mover, who clinched victory by a unanimous points verdict.

The 19-year-old was barely troubled by the Shropshire fighter, despite Owen having home advantage.

Gus Robinson Developments head coach, Tony Martin, told SportMail: “Luke put in a great performance to win it and he was in even better form here.”

The first round was a bit of a scrappy affair though Cope just about edged it against a highly-rated opponent.

After a close opening three minutes, the second round saw the gifted champion start to get his range.

Cope got his jab in full working operation, catching Owen with some good backhands to gain control of the contest.

By the third round, Luke started to grow in confidence, connecting throughout with some lovely right hooks.

Cope caught Owen clean as the Shropshire boxer stepped forward.

Displaying his trademark movement, the away boxer made Owen miss, countering with well-timed combinations.

The outcome was inevitable with the Gus Robinson corner of Martin and Dave Robson thrilled with their boxer’s performance.

“I don’t remember Luke getting hit at all in the third round,” added Martin,

“He moved about really well, making Macauley miss.

“It was a good job well done and credit to Luke for listening to the advice from his corner.

“I was very pleased with what I saw.”

Cope was happy with his night’s work at the Donnington Sports & Social Club.

“It was a good fight,” said Luke, who is the youngest of the fab four Cope brothers, Daniel, Peter and Adam who, ironically, was the previous champ at U60 kilos.

“Macauley was a tricky southpaw but I made him miss a lot and was able to pick my own shots.”