IT PROMISED, on paper, to be a classic, and the local derby affair between two previously unbeaten fighters delivered just that as Hartlepool’s Daniel Cope and Birtley’s Tom Whitfield went toe-to-toe over six, exhilarating rounds.

In the narrowest of results it would be the Birtley fighter who came out on top as trainer Mal Gates’ incredible run of form continues. Whitfield, who along with Cope and their respective camps, have held friendships for some time – that will continue but this 58-57 result will go a long way for the Geordie pugilist.

“I feel fantastic after what was a tough, close fight for both of us,” said Whitfield.

“I was prepared to do the six so I felt really good and couldn’t have done this without the likes of Mal (Gates) and (Chris) Davison who has had my weight bang on for weeks now.”

On top of the derby classic the Ward brothers, Martin and Tommy, showed what a class act they both are, the latter moving his own professional record to thirteen unbeaten with a composed, mature performance of his own.

West Rainton brothers, Martin and Tommy, both had Georgian opponents in Khakhaber Aretisian and George Gacheciladze respectively. Although both impressed it was the latter whose star shone brightest with his brother, who turns 27 on Tuesday, saying: “Tommy is a superstar in the making that’s for sure.” Few would disagree.

“I boxed out of my skin tonight and, other than the first ninety seconds say, I felt as though I won every minute of the bout,” continued the elder Ward.

“I just stuck to what I had to do and what was asked of me by (Neil) Fannan but I feel unbeatable at super bantamweight and I’m stronger, harder and faster than I’ve ever been and nobody, including (Scott) Quigg and (Carl) Frampton can beat me.”

As for Tommy, at just 20-years-old, he is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with and his six round, punch-perfect masterclass showed. His opponent looked considerably bigger, but Tommy has dealt with those situations before and just lets his boxing talent do the talking.

After his lucky 13th success he said: “I’m getting out regular which is good and this was just another step up for me, more considering I’m still to have a title fight.

“The lad I fought was a good one, really tough. I hurt him a couple of times but he came to box and win which is what I like. If people think that I’m good now wait until a few years’ time!”

Elsewhere on the card Sunderland’s Cameroonian, Thomas Essomba claimed the International Masters Bronze flyweight with a points win over experienced Isaac Quaye; Jordan King continued his unbeaten start to the pro ranks against Mark Till as did Isaac Macleod against Robert Blazo.

All three debutants claimed victory as did Teesside cruiserweight Simon Vallily who stopped his opponent, David Vicena, in three who added: “This year is a breakthrough year for me, I’ve felt relaxed and trained hard so I enjoyed what I felt was a good performance.”