Nigel to get Wright good spar
NIGEL Wright is getting ready for his big title chance by trading blows with his friend and team-mate.
The English light-welterweight champion has the "ideal sparring partner" for his challenge for Ajose Olusegun's Commonwealth title - Gus Robinson team-mate Geard Ajetovic.
The pair have been scrapping it out this week in Robinson's West View Road gym ahead of the championship showdown at Peterlee Leisure Centre on Friday, February 8.
Wright starts as the underdog against the champion from Nigeria, who has 21 wins out of 21 – 11 coming inside the distance.
But coach Peter Cope is hopeful middleweight star Ajetovic could be a key weapon in the Wright armoury.
"Geard is the ideal sparring partner for him," explained Cope. "He's even seen Olusegun at close quarters because they both fought at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
"Geard is the same size as Olusegun, quite a bit heavier obviously, but they both are of a very similar build.
"Getting the right sort of sparring is always a difficulty ahead of a fight.
"But this time there is no need to worry because we've got Geard.
And the great thing is that he has been able to mimic Olusegun's style perfectly.
"Geard thinks he's very strong physically, but that his feet are slow."
Wright and Ajetovic are both looking in good shape, even though there are still 22 days to go until the punching counts for real.
Cope is the man charged with devising the tactics for Wright to beat the London-based African.
And the 41-year-old admits it's not going to be easy.
"If Nigel stands and fights then he'll get knocked out," said the straight-talking coach. "And if he runs away, he'll get knocked out.
"This fight's going to be about movement – Nigel's got to score but he's also got to make sure he's not there when Olusegun looks to unload.
"He's got to box a very clever fight."
Ajetovic is on the bill himself and will have a six or eight-round contest.
The Serbian is among an exciting castlist at Peterlee Leisure Centre, which not only includes Hartlepool hero Michael Hunter, but undefeated heavyweights Chris Burton and David Dolan.
Also on show are unbeaten Teesside prospects Paul Truscott and Gavin Read.
* FOR ticket information, contact (0191) 5862400 or (01429) 234221.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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