Come out fighting, Hartlepool boxer Peter Cope tells Middlesbrough’s John Green

Summer Rumble stars Peter Cope (left) and John Green

Peter Cope has challenged John Green to come out and “fight this time” when they top the bill at boxing’s Summer Rumble.

The Hartlepool fighter defends his Northern Area lightweight title a week on Sunday at the Stadium of Light against his opponent, from Middlesbrough.

It is a re-match between the two derby rivals following their scrap for the then vacant belt last October, when Cope won on points in South Shields.

The Gus Robinson Developments star emerged with victory by a single point and was frustrated by not only the scoreline but what he perceived as “negative” tactics from the Boro boxer.

Green and coach Paul Hamilton say it will be a different fight this time and Cope welcomes that.

“John and his people seem more confident,” said the 24-year-old.

“I don’t see how he won a round last time, or not as many as he was given.

“John was a bit negative in South Shields but I hope he comes to fight this time.

“They say they are and I hope that’s the case.

“We are top of the bill, this is a big show, so let’s put on a big fight.”

Green certainly looked full of confidence at the media conference at Sunderland’s football ground.

While he admitted he lost the original meeting, he believes he is a better fighter now.

But Cope says he is focused purely on himself rather than trying to analyse his challenger.

“I don’t look into body language and stuff like that,” said the southpaw.

“I’m not worrying about John Green, I’ll let him worry about me.”

Cope v Green tops the bill on the outdoor Sunday afternoon spectacular,

There are two other championship contests on the bill.

Unbeaten neighbour Tommy Ward takes on Vladimer Janezashvili for the inaugural British Promoters Association Classic Challenge super-bantamweight belt.

The Neil Fannan and Dave Garside has started his career with 13 straight victories and will be favourite to make it 14 against the Georgian over eight rounds,.

Undefeated Sunderland flyweight Thomas Essomba also boxes for the inaugural BPA Classic Challenge belt in his division.

He too has eastern European opposition in Hungary’s Robert Kanalas.

“It’s brilliant to be boxing on such an exciting bill,” added Cope. “It’s great to see Tommy boxing for a belt.”

There are 15 bouts planned in total for the Phil Jeffries-promoted event.

For tickets, contact Peter on 07815 991247.