PETER COPE cannot wait to sample some home comforts as he returns to the ring in Hartlepool’s Borough Hall this evening, writes Peter Mann.

Cope will be joined by his brother, Daniel, as well as Horden duo Anthony Hardy and Liam Cannock as four fighters from the Hartlepool stable of Gus Robinson ensure tonight’s Phil Jeffries-promoted bill has a strong local feel.

The likes of Martin and Tommy Ward, Glenn Foot, Jonson McClumpha, Isaac Macleod and Lewis Ritson will also get a run-out as Jeffries builds momentum towards the Summer Rumble.

The Copes are looking to bounce back from defeats in their most recent outings as Peter, with ten wins from 12, takes on Lee Connelly, and Daniel faces Danny Little.

Peter had a mixed 2014, with a Northern Area title victory in South Shields sandwiching an English title defeat to Mitchell Smith and an eliminator reverse against Andrew Townend.

He will return at super lightweight, and will be appearing in front of his home fans for only the third time in his career.

He said: “It’s really good to be back as I’ve missed being out there and fighting, getting that adrenaline rush.

“I’ve only fought there twice, once as an amateur and once as a professional so with my brother and I on the same bill, it’s going to be massive.

“As for the weight change, I do feel that’s always been a massive thing for me, especially in my last fight and I’ve not been near my best for a while so I’m moving up a division, short-term at least, and will look forward to putting in a good performance.”

Elder brother Daniel, at 24, is also coming off a defeat, against local rival Tom Whitfield, and is hoping to set up a rematch for an Area title.

He said: “We’ve asked for a rematch with Whitfield but there’s nothing at present. It was a good, close fight and neither of us could complain whichever way it went. Who knows, maybe after another couple of fights we could meet for the Area title.”

Hardy and Cammock also appear on a busy night for the Hartlepool fight scene, and Hardy, who opposes Fonz Alexander, said: “I’ve had a couple of bouts fall through since my last outing.

“Josh Leather, Dave Ryan and a few others; I’ve also had niggling injuries but I’m a winning fighter, still undefeated, and going there to win. I just hope my opponent is the same as I’ve only really had (Chrissy) Bennett and (Lee) Gibbons who have been true, come-forward fighters.”

Cammock debuted with a tough four-rounder against Mick Mills and faces a similar challenge against Matt Seawright.

He said: “He (Seawright) is a very tricky, awkward fighter and I’ve not faced anyone of his ability before.

“I’m in the gym with three really good lads though who have a lot of experience between them and can mix it with the best, so I’m not worried.”