Coach Cope backing for his ‘brilliant’ pros

The welterweight duo are both in action at Houghton – Cope facing a mouthwatering North-East derby with Tom Whitfield and Cammock making his debut against Mick Mills.

Their bouts are part of Phil Jeffries’ 12-fight promotion, which has been tagged as Colossal.

Cope and Cammock are both looking “brilliant”, according to the head coach at Gus Robinson Developments – and they will need to be.

“I can’t wait for both fights,” said Peter Cope Snr.

“Daniel and Liam are the most inexperienced lads in our gym, but both are exciting prospects.

“LIam has a style I think fans will love and I see Daniel getting better each day.”

Daniel Cope’s showdown with Whitfield is not quite make-or-break stuff, given the friends and rivals have only had two fights each – and two wins.

But the winner would certainly be taking a big step forward.

“I’ve been very impressed with Daniel,” said his coach and dad.

“He had one or two dodgy spars but they were about four or five weeks ago.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from him and he’s looking great.

“I had a chat with him urging him to step up to the plate and he has.

“It was nothing to do with his physical shape, he’s always a fit, strong kid.

“I wanted him to sharpen up mentally, think more about what he was doing and why he was doing it.

“Daniel needed to up his game for this - Tom is more experienced and is a good boxer.

“But he’s really gone for it in training and think he’s got a great chance.”

It is a difficult fight to predict - both have identical records and each boxer looks in incredible nick.

Whitfield has experience and the longer reach but Cope does carry the greater power.

“It looks like it’s going to be a cracker,” said Cope Snr. “We think we know what Tom’s approach will be but we’ve been working on our tactics and it’s about getting it right on the day.”

Cammock will get his first taste of the pro game tomorrow when he takes on Kent southpaw Mills.

While it has been a case of getting Daniel Cope pumped up, calming Cammock has been the priority of the Gus Robinson Developments coaches.

A debut appearance is always one of the toughest assignments in any fighter’s career.

“It’s a nerve-wracking experience,” said Peter Cope.

“We’ve spoken to Liam about relaxing and trying to enjoy the occasion.

“It’s totally different to what he’s been used to - there will be no headguard, he’ll have lighter gloves on and he’ll be boxing in front of a crowd of over 1,000.

“It will be about how he handles the occasion and I think he’ll be fine.

“He has worked incredibly hard, he’s listened and learned, and I’ve been very happy with him.

“It’s only his first fight and he’s only 20 so he’ll be given time, but he looks very good and I’m looking forward to seeing him fight.”

For tickets, call Peter on 07815991247.

Doors open at noon with boxing starting around 1pm.