Q&A - Daniel Cope

Our latest Q&A instalment sees us chat to would-be Northern Area title contender Daniel Cope. Daniel is talented boxer that we have seen several times at various North East shows and was scheduled to face Tom Whitfield for the Northern Area Welterweight title this Friday on Steve Wraith's Collision Course bill. Unfortunately, Whitfield was injured so we see how the Hartlepool man has dealt with the late rescheduling and his route into boxing.

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

Daniel Cope - I started boxing quite late when I was 17. But my dad has been a trainer for over 30 year and my 4 of my brothers box so we're bit of a boxing family!

BBB - Who are your all time boxing idols?

DC - I don't really have any to be honest. I like watching [Floyd] Mayweather, he has all the skills

BBB - You come from a big boxing family - please tell us about that and the influence it's had on you?

DC - It's really good as we push each other along in training. We run together and train together and tell each other how to improve.

BBB - Your Northern Area title fight with Tom Whitfield has been called off due to Tom's injury. What are your thoughts on this now?

DC - I was obviously gutted about it. I had been training so hard and we had done everything right. It's just a shame and hopefully it happens at some point.

BBB - How important was it for you to still box on 18th Feb in Gateshead? Is your opponent finalised now?

DC - It's really important I need to keep boxing and keep improving and I won't improve not boxing. Somebody from Lithuania.

BBB - Will you look to fight for the Northern Area title again at some point in 2016?

Hopefully so yes. But I am just focused on March 18th at the minute.

BBB - You're currently 4-1 in your pro career. How do you assess you career so far going in to your sixth fight on Friday?

DC - It's important that I win on Friday and it's important I show improvements from my last fight.

BBB - Both yourself and your brother Peter have large fan bases, how important are the "Barmy Army" to you?

DC - It means the world to me and Peter. They support us both constantly and they provide the atmosphere at the shows. I really appreciate them for spending their hard earned money. And I'll try my best to put on a show on Friday for them all.

BBB - Which other boxer do you think we should keep an eye on in 2016?

DC - I think there is a lot of talent in the North East at the minute. It's hard to pick.

BBB - And finally, what are the aims of Daniel Cope in 2016? Where would you like to be in terms of your career in 12 months’ time?

DC - To keep busy and keep winning.