DRAMA has become the norm at boxing press conferences, fuelled perhaps most notably by social media and heightened by the actions of a certain David Haye and Tony Bellew.

But there are still those that take place on a more local level that can still fan the flames. There was one of those at Boxfit in Darlington on Thursday lunch-time, made more noticeable by the absence of a defending champion.

Hartlepool’s Daniel Cope, the reigning Northern Area welterweight belt holder, had to miss the gathering because of work commitments after suggesting to the show’s promoter, Steve Wraith, that he was not notified in time.

The no-show rankled with Ferryhill challenger Billy Snaith and he can’t wait to get into the ring with an intention to take the crown at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall on Saturday, April 22.

Snaith, who was having none of Cope’s reasons for not attending, said: “It’s disrespectful to those who have put the hard work in to set this up. He is the champion, he should conduct himself like a champion. I am the one showing a good example, not him. He needed one day off work, how hard is that?

“He’s the champion and he can’t even turn up for the press conference. He’s an absolute nugget. He can say what he wants but you need to back it up in the ring. He sleeps in a sweat suit, how’s that training hard? I just want to bang him out. I will not be just winning on points, he is getting knocked out cold.”

Cope won the Northern Area title in October when he defeated Tom Whitfield in Ashington. He followed that up with a draw against journeyman Kevin McCauley in March.

And Cope, who has won his other six pro contests, indicated via a text message sent to the press conference: “I am training hard to put in a great performance. Billy Snaith hasn’t boxed anybody who punches back yet, so I am going to show him what professional boxing is all about.”

Snaith, four straight wins into his burgeoning career, is looking ahead to appearing in front of a packed crowd at Hardwick Hall, just on the doorstep of the Ferryhill gym where he trains.

The 29-year-old said: “I am more than ready for him. I have trained my arse off for this every day. I am ready to go now. I was ready weeks ago. It will be bouncing in there.

“I have trained hard, I’ve had no time off and I have stayed in the gym. I hope there’s no excuses when I do win because I am meant to be the underdog.

“But he drew against a lad 37-year-old, with 135 losses, that’s where I am getting my confidence from. We will see won’t we?

The Winner Takes It All show will heavily feature North-East talent, with undefeated Sedgefield fighter Jeff Saunders Jnr competing for an English Challenge belt with Birmingham’s Chris Truman over eight rounds.

Saunders, 24, and coached by his father Jeff, has won his ten pro contests so far. He said: “It’s a big fight for me, fighting fort a title in my own back garden. Hopefully the pressure doesn’t get to me.

“I am excited to get in the ring because I haven’t fought in my own backyard for six or seven years, the last time I did was before I joined the army. I’d like to show my hometown what I am about again. I have done my two years apprenticeship and now I want titles.”

Darlington’s Neil Hepper had expected to be going into the ring with Cope’s brother Peter. A different opponent will face Hepper, who will be heading into his third fight since coming out of retirement last September.

Hepper, 29, explained: “We have made the decision. We have decided to go for one more four rounder before that Cope fight. But that fight has been made and it will happen. Even if it means going in his own backyard I will do it.

“I fought Luke Campbell, so I will fight anyone, he was an Olympic champion, it’s got nothing to do with heart. I will fight anyone. If I win this one then we will be going over to fight Cope. I will fight him. I have got balls.”

Local boxers Jordan King, Adam Watson and Anth Hardy will also be in action as well as Middlesbrough’s Mark Downing.

  • Tickets for the Winner Takes It All show at the Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, on Saturday, April 22 are available from all boxers priced £35 for standard and £50 for a ringside table.
  • They can also be purchased by contacting Tracey Saunders on 07944695367 or Peter Mann on 0191 2299632.