Q&A - Peter Cope

Ahead of his next bout on 20th November at the Rainton Meadows Arena, we spoke to Hartlepool lightweight Peter Cope (left). Read on to find out his boxing influences, his plans for 2016 and what he thinks of boxing in the North East.

British Boxing Blog - Please tell us about your boxing background? How did you get in to the sport?

Peter Cope - My dad has been a pro-coach for many years I'm from a big boxing family. 4 of us box now 2 professionally and 2 as amateurs.

BBB - Who is your all time boxing hero?

PC - I don't really have one, I'm a big boxing fan and love watching British fighters do well.

BBB - You come from a big boxing family. Just how important is the influence of your dad and your brothers on your career?

PC - We all push each other and always support each other so they are a massive influence on me.

BBB - We were present for your last fight with John Green (pictured). Do you agree that there was something missing from your performance that day? It didn't seem like a usual Peter Cope style performance. What do you put that down to?

PC - Yeah totally agree. I know anyone watching that fight knew that wasn't Peter Cope. I just didn't turn up. It was the worst I have ever fought in my life, just a bad day at the office. I couldn't even look at myself how poor I was.

BBB - You've beaten Green before, do you hope to fight him for a third time, avenge your defeat and take a 2-1 lead over him?

PC - I would like the fight to happen and I'm sure it will probably next year. I will put the record straight and move on.

BBB - Has your opponent been announced for Rainton Meadows 20th November bill yet? Will the "Barmy Army" again be travelling in big numbers to support you? Just how grateful are you for their support?

PC - I was due to be fighting Richard Barclay which seemed a good opponent but he's pulled out on Saturday so I don't know yet.

BBB - What are your thoughts on the current state of North East Boxing? Are you pleased with the regular fights you are getting on North East shows?

PC - I think its in a good place right now, plenty of competition over this way and many of us could move on to better things. There are shows every couple of months over here so I think that's good.

BBB - How much do you enjoy local derbies and fighting fellow fighters from the North East?

PC - Honestly, it doesn't really bother me who I fight, but it's better to build a fight round here and it's always bit more exciting. I've been in a few now and there is a little bit more buzz about it.

BBB - You fought Mitchell Smith in 2014 for the English Super Featherweight title in 2014. Is your aim for 2016 to get back in to national level fights at Lightweight?

PC - I learnt a lot from that fight and hopefully I'll be fighting for that title before end of 2016. That is the aim, I'm open to all fights

BBB - And finally, which British Boxer (apart from yourself) should we keep an eye on in 2016?

PC - From what I have watched I think Luke Campbell is the best prospect in Britain.

Peter can be followed on Twitter @CopePeter and we can @britboxingblog