Walsall born Shaun Cooper has been handed his first title shot on the undercard of the Saunders v Isufi show (18,5,19). Cooper (22) who is unbeaten in 8 fights will be dropping down a weight to take on Boy Jones for the WBO Youth Lightweight title scheduled for 10 rounds. Jones from Essex is also 22 but has amassed 21 fights winning 18 of them. Jones has fought over 10 rounds 3 times before winning the southern area Super Featherweight title in his first one and then losing the title in his next fight via a TKO in the tenth round. Jones last fight was over 10 rounds and was for the WBO European Lightweight title where he lost on a unanimous decision to Craig Evens from Newport.
I caught up with Shaun and asked him how he found out about the fight and how he felt about getting the shot? The “Scorpion" told me “I got a the phone call off Pete my trainer and he was like I got some good news Shaun, I was like yes we got the Midlands title fight in June or something? When he said it was for the WBO Youth title on Billy Joe Saunders card I was that excited I had to pull up in me work van to calm myself down”. I then asked the unbeaten fighter how he was finding dropping the extra weight for this fight? He told me “The weight hasn’t been an issue as I have been in the gym none stop, so I’m making the weight comfortably”.
I then asked Shaun how he thought the fight would go and what he knew about Boy Jones? Cooper told me “I think I will be two strong for him and I reckon they have underestimated me, but on the night I'll be ready, more than ready to do what ever I can to bring this belt home. I had never heard of Boy Jones until Pete told me his name and his record is nothing, he has been looked after and now I think this is his biggest fight to date”. Dexter’s Thoughts
What great news for Shaun Cooper I was expecting him to get a title shot may be in his next few fights but was thinking a Midlands area title. I have followed his career from the start and watched all his fights at the Tommy Owens Promotions shows at Villa park and have always been impressed. You can see that Jones team have picked Cooper as an easy touch, but like Shaun has said they have underestimated him. Cooper is a talented boxer who can go to war when he needs to. If Jones thought he was going to have an easy night of it he is sorely mistaken. I honestly think Cooper can shine on the big stage and bring home the WBO lightweight youth title. The Birmingham boxing column wishes Shaun Cooper the very best of luck.