Frank Warren welcomes Owen Cooper to the team
Unbeaten hopeful Owen Cooper (3-0) is the latest top young talent to sign promotional terms with Frank Warren’s growing Queensberry stable.
Cooper is straight into action and boxes a four rounder on Saturday’s big London card that is being televised by BT Sport.
The Worcester boxer, 20, is managed by Errol Johnson of Black Country Boxing who alerted the Hall of Fame promoter about his latest prospect.
Cooper said: “I can’t explain how much it means to me.
“I can’t thank Errol, everyone at BCB and ultimately Frank enough for giving me the opportunity to get out on this show.
“It is everything to me. When I started boxing at 14 years of age I couldn’t picture myself on a show like this.
“Hopefully I might get on TV, but just being on it and around the show this week means so much. I’m so grateful.”
As an amateur at Worcester City ABC, Cooper represented England and won the National Youth Championships title in 2018.
Although Saturday’s fight is made at Welterweight, 5' 8" Cooper will be moving down to Super-Lightweight in the future.
Trained by former two-time British title challenger Malcolm Melvin, Cooper explained: “I was told to stay ready and when I got in the gym on Monday I was offered my first fight for Queensberry. I couldn’t turn it down.
“There is no time to get nervous about an opponent which is a good thing. I do get nervous before fights, but once I am in the ring the nerves go.
“It’s great to have Malcolm training me. He has been there, done it before and knows what it takes. I couldn’t have anyone better.”
Cooper will clash with fellow Midlander Darryl Pearce (1-11) over four rounds at welterweight – 147lbs.
While he is still progressing, Cooper will continue working as a painter and decorator with his Dad.
Owen who turned professional in September 2019 added: “The dream is to be able to box full-time, but for now I can enjoy working with Dad and boxing.
“You don’t have to be training two or three times a day for four rounders. It is about staying sharp and focused.
“As time goes on and the rounds step up I will need to be in the gym more. Then, I will knock work on the head and go full-time.
“My dad supports me all the way. Even when I need to time off to spar now it’s no problem.”
Headlining bill is British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who defends his Lonsdale belt against Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose crown is also at stake.
Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.
Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.
Over six rounds York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1), and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) keeps busy.
In four rounders alongside Cooper are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0), and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.
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