Hartlepool boxer Peter Cope happy to be top of bill at Summer Rumble vs John Green

Boxer Peter Cope enjoying a well deserved drink with his dad and trainer Peter. Picture by FRANK REID

SportMail reported yesterday how promoters of the outdoor spectacular at the Stadium of Light had to admit defeat over the staging of Martin Ward’s English super-bantamweight title fight.

Ward’s opponent, Leigh Wood, had pulled out and with no substitute forthcoming, organiser Phil Jeffries and associate Neil Fannan, will just send the southpaw into action in a six-rounder on Sunday, July 5.

That means Cope’s Northern Area lightweight championship defence against Middlesbrough’s John Green has been promoted from chief support to top-of-the-bill status.

“I am gutted for Martin,” said the Hartlepool boxer. “I know how frustrating it is to be preparing for a title fight for the other lad to pull out.

“But I’m happy to be top of the bill, especially at the Summer Rumble.

“The Rumble is probably the biggest show of the yearin the North-East and it’s great to box on it, never mind to be in the main fight.

“It’s a good bout and I think the fans will enjoy it and I’m hoping to put on a good performance.”

Cope will start as favourite against the boxer he defeated 96-95 in South Shields last October to lift the belt.

But the 24-year-old has been troubled with an elbow injury though, following treatment from leading Hartlepool physio Paul Gough, he says he is now on the mend.

“It feels good,” said the Gus Robinson Developments southpaw. “I had to have a couple of days off punching, but it’s strong again now.

“I am back to punching properly now so it should be all right, the fight’s still 12 days away.

“I sparred eight rounds with Lee Mould the other day – Lee is fighting for the English title this Saturday so it was ideal.

“That was really good and I’ve been sparring with the lads in our gym as well [Daniel Cope, Anth Hardy and Liam Cammock].

“I’ve still got some more sparring to come but hopefully I’ve done enough.

“I’m just looking forward to the fight now. Me and John put on a good bout last time and I’m looking forward to showing people how I’ve improved.”

For tickets, call Peter on 07815991247.