Male’s title tilt to top the Venue’s big night (From Dudley News)

Male’s title tilt to top the Venue’s big night

12:45pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport

FIGHTERS from a Brierley Hill gym are ready to play their part in Dudley’s biggest boxing night for decades.

Four men from Coops Boxing Camp will appear at the Venue next Friday, including featherweight Chris Male whose clash with Josh Warrington for the English title tops the bill.

He will be joined by stable-mates Steven Pearce, Kyle Spencer and Rizwan Rasool, who all fight on the undercard.

Shaun Cooper, who trains the four at his Leys Road gym, says there is no danger of them being under-prepared.

He said: “All these guys train hard and help each other out, there’s a great spirit here.

“When someone can’t make it because of work commitments, the others have come in on weekends and sparred with them.

“I’ll tell anybody if you can’t do the training don’t bother becoming a pro.

“These guys know that, they all have great attitudes.

“This is going to be a massive night for Dudley and it’s a massive night for us too.”

Welterweight Pearce has recovered from the hand injury which so nearly saw his fight with Billy Smith last month end in disaster.

He faces Trowbridge toughnut Aaron Fox, looking to make it a perfect six-out-of-six since joining the pro ranks.

Spencer — a five times Midland champion and national silver medallist in the amateurs — looks for his fourth professional win against an as yet unnamed opponent, while Rasool faces veteran Kristian Laight.

But undoubtedly the biggest focus will fall on Male, who faces a fight which could make or break his career.

The punching postman has seen three previous fights for the English title fall through.

But Cooper says the support from the rest of the gym has helped him through.

He said: “Chris has had numerous setbacks. He went through two training camps only to see fights fall through. It’s been cruel and tough on him.

“But he’s stuck at it and got through. It’s going to be a great fight but Chris has so much desire.”

He added: “We know our job is get these guys mentally prepared as well as physically.

“We don’t just see them in the gym, we are always on the phone and on their backs and making sure they stick to their training schedule.”

Tickets for the show are available from promoter Errol Johnson on 07852 268333.