O’Hare-Cooper: ‘It’ll be a cracker - and that won’t suit Ollie’

O’Hare (left) and Cooper go head to head at press conference

THE blue touch-paper has been lit, the countdown has begun for the mouthwatering Midlands super-middleweight title clash between champ Liam O’Hare and Ollie Cooper.

Next Thursday, November 28, the pair – both unbeaten – meet in the plush, black tie setting of Cannock’s Excelsior Sporting Club.

The 10 round headlines promoter Scott Murray’s annual St Andrew’s Night extravaganza and is a potential tartan draped thriller.

And quality flows like Scotch whisky throughout the card. Former British, European and world champ Sam Eggington is waiting for his opponent to be confirmed. Local light-middle Zach Evans will face experienced and resilient Serge Ambomo over six. Red-hot prospect Shabir Haidary, from Afghanistan but based in Gloucester, takes a risk against dangerous Jahfieus Faure, fresh from a win over unbeaten Brandon Bethell.

But it’s O’Hare and Cooper that has really got fans’ adrenaline pumping: I can’t wait for it to happen. As they say, “someone’s O has got to go”.

Tall southpaw Cooper, from Cannock, has home advantage. The 24-year-old is unbeaten in eight. This is his step-up.

O’Hare, from Hereford but fighting out of Birmingham’s Eastside gym, has the experience of fighting over 10 rounds. The 28-year-old is on a 10 bout winning streak.

Both will bring their “A” game.

Promoter Scott Murray said: “I’ve watched both men spar and they’re looking very good, they’re in terrific shape. They’ve trained for this as if it was a world title fight.”

Jon Pegg, matchmaker for the night and part of O’Hare’s training team, positively oozed confidence during today’s interview.

He said: “Training has gone really, really well. Liam has been like a sponge, soaking it up. He’s really come on. He’s usually quite a pessimistic person – it’s just his way, but he’s very happy and confident. I’m expecting a good performance.

“I think it will be tricky for a few rounds, then Liam’s experience and the fact we train aggressive fighters to a good level will see him take charge.

“Ollie Cooper is a 6ft 4ins southpaw. We’re not going to stand-off and try to out-jab him.”

Pegg added: “I think it will be a cracker – and that’s the point. Crackers don’t suit 6ft 4in southpaws.”

Ollie, trained in Wolverhampton by Richie Carter, is also brim-full of confidence. At the recent press conference to announce the fight, he said: “I’ve wanted someone like Liam who will come to have a go and when he comes to have a go, he’ll be put to sleep.

“We are bringing the heat, the fight is not going the distance. I was very, very disappointed with his last performance. It won’t go four rounds if he fights like he did last time.”

The time for talking is nearly over. Prepare for an old-fashioned tear up.