Hartlepool boxing’s Cope brothers set for big dates with England and in pro ring

Adam, who last month reached the ABA Championship semi-finals in his debut season in senior boxing, has been selected by England for the Tri-Nations against Scotland and Wales this weekend.

And, to complete a tumultuous week for the Copes, it has been announced that brother Peter will defend his Northern Area lightweight title against Middlesbrough’s John Green on Sunday, July 5 at the Stadium of Light.

It is a notable double for the Gus Robinson Developments team, with Adam boxing out of the amateur gym and Peter with the professionals.

For Adam, his England call-up puts the icing on the cake of a stunning season.

The 18-year-old won his first five bouts of the season before losing out to GB star Luke McCormack in the ABA semis in Liverpool.

Cope took an 11th-hour bout last weekend, losing controversially on a split decision to the Army’s Ryan Filingham in Derby, but the West View Road camp are looking forward to the international test.

“A Midlands select teamboxed the Army and the Midlands boxer pulled out so Adam was asked to go in,” said Gus Robinson coach Wayne Short. “I suppose he didn’t have to take it but he will fight anyone.

“He was ripped off. Ryan had got to the other ABA semi, but Adam clearly beat him and then didn’t get the decision. But that’s gone and he’s now looking forward to this weekend, when he has a semi tomorrow and hopefully the final on Sunday.

“I don’t know a lot about the lads he’s up against but Adam’s mental attitude is second to none and he’s not fazed by whoever is in the other corner.

“His defeat in the ABAs was the first time he’d lost in 20 contests, so he’s been on a brilliant run and performed very well in the championship.

“He’s boxed for England before as a junior so this will not be a new experience for him.” Adam will be following in the ringsteps of Peter, who also represented England in this format.

The 23-year-old is now well established in the pro game and defends his Northern title at the Summer Rumble in a re-match with Green who he defeated last October for the vacant belt.