Boxer Daniel Cope is star of band of brothers for fight with Tom Whitfield

You will always see heavyweight great Brian London referred to as a Blackpool fighter, but he and brother, Jack were Hartlepool boys born and bred.

Brian twice fought for the world title, losing to two legends, Floyd Patterson and Muhammed Ali.

The Feeneys, George and John, both had the distinction of being British champions at the same time, with lightweight George retiring with a Lonsdale Belt.

In the same era came the Foremans, Ken and Keith, who fought with distinction on the same pro circuit.

Then came the Dentons, Craig and Mark, Mark an outstanding English amateur middleweight and Craig a star with Neil Fannan as a pro. Both were unbeaten professionals.

And now the fighting family flying the Poolie flag are the Copes.

Peter is the main man, looking to make his name at lightweight, where the crowd favourite is the reigning Northern Area champion.

Adam and Luke are stars in the amateur game, Adam noted for his trademark body hooks and Luke one of the best young movers you will see.

And then there is Daniel, the eldest of the quartet.

In terms of pure talent, the 24-year-old may not quite match the aforementioned trio, though he can do what they can’t, take someone out with one punch.

That is not to say he can’t box, he can and will get the chance to parade his talent – and possibly his right fist – when he boxes Tom Whitfield this Sunday.

He will be the Cope in the spotlight at Rainton Meadows Arena at the Colossal show and he is looking forward to it.

“We’re all different people and different boxers,” said Daniel of the band of brothers.

“Adam and Luke are both flying and Peter will come back from his English title eliminator [defeat to Andy Townend].

“I do think he’s English and British title level.

“But, for me, I can’t wait for Sunday.

“It’s a brilliant chance for me and Tom, I think everyone would agree it’s a real 50-50, and it’s an even better fight for the fans.”

The North-East derby is a masterstroke of promotion by Phil Jeffries – the pair are both unbeaten after two bouts and are popular fellas.

And it’s a credit to both camps to take a fight knowing that one 100 per cent record will end, possibly two if it ends in a draw – and don’t rule out that result.

Cope is right to say it’s 50-50.

Whitfield is more experienced in the amateur game and has the height and reach advantage, but Cope does carry a bit of a dig.

The duo are on friendly terms and have sparred a number of times and Cope knows his rival is “good”.

“Tom is sharp and he moves well, they are his great strengths,” said the Gus Robinson Developments star.

“I know I’m going to have to box well to beat him and we’ve worked on things in the gym which I can hopefully capitalise on on the day.

“If I can do that then I think I can beat him.

“It’s gone well in training and I can’t wait for Sunday.”

l FOR tickets, contact Peter on 07815991247