Cooper first punches for pay on the ‘New Beginnings’ show at the Venue in Dudley on Saturday April 8 and will feature in the lightweight division, writes Craig Birch.
The 22-year-old graduates from Walsall Wood Boxing Club in his hometown and won four area titles in England Boxing competition, also reaching a Schools Championship national semi-final.
Cooper reckons he could have achieved more in his 43 amateur contests, although he also thinks his skills are more transferable to the pro game.
He said: “I’m so excited to make my debut and I just want to get in there and do the business. Everyone used to tell me in the amateurs my style was more suited to being a pro.
“I feel like it’s my turn and the people that come to watch me fight will see different things, because I’m taking this seriously.
“I could have done more in the amateurs, but now I’m going to prove people wrong. I want to be up there and doing my best, getting somewhere in the sport.
“I’ve had bad decisions go against me in the past, so I don’t want to be leaving it in the judges’ hands anymore. I’ll be trying to take my opponents out.”
He will be managed and trained by Jon Pegg in Birmingham, along with sessions back at Walsall Wood. He rubs shoulders with the likes of Sam Eggington and Frankie Gavin in Pegg’s gym.
Cooper said: “I’ve been training with Sam, I haven’t sparred with him yet but I would love to. He’s told me to work hard, because it all pays off in the end. You can see that from him.”
Cooper, Kane Baker and Ryan Aston feature in four-round bouts on the card, with Tyler Denny and Andrew Robinson featuring over six.
Tickets, priced at £35 and £50 ringside with waitress service, are available now by calling Shaun directly on 07872 429 921. Alternatively, contact him on Facebook.
