HARTLEPOOL’S Peter Cope looks to get back into major title contention this weekend at the expense of Stockton-based rival Abdon Cesar, with the pair due to clash for the lightweight British Challenge belt, writes Peter Mann.

Cope, who has been frustrated in recent times with numerous fights falling by the wayside including a shot at O’Hara Davies and a title fight in Darlington, will look to get back on track when he finally returns to the ring in Gateshead.

At 25, the southpaw is determined to make up for lost time, and is targeting Cesar as step one. He said: “The plan was to have had a fight every couple of months this year, but as it’s worked out I’ve had four or five off instead.

“The good thing though is that I’ve been training non-stop all year and just looking forward to getting back out there and hopefully with this, I can get back up quickly.

“As for Abdon, it’ll be a hard one but I’m not bothered who I fight. He’s a good, awkward opponent and certainly a lot better than his record suggests bringing with him good pedigree.”

The show sees several up-and-coming fighters, including three debutants from the Fighting Chance stable in Kyle Redfearn, Jamie Humble and Steven Toward; they’ll draw inspiration from returning duo Lee Mould and Gary Fox.

Former Northern Area champions and English title challengers, Mould has not fought since challenging Blackpool’s Adam Little 12 months ago while Fox has only fought twice in the past three years.

Also part of a strong Fighting Chance showing on the Lewis Pendleton-promoted card is former England international Mark White, who said of his last outing at the same venue against Phil Hervey: “I put him down twice in the second round but it was a good show in front of a great crowd.

“I was really enjoying it and wanted to put on a performance to remember. I’ll be looking to do the same in my next outing as well and if a stoppage comes then yes, I’ll take it, that’s if he stays down.

“The three fights I have been involved in have all been different which has been great for me. It’s the same as my next one, who I believe is against Ryan Hanson. I’ll just concentrate on my training and sparring and leave him to the team.”

The show takes place at the Gateshead Leisure Centre on Saturday, doors open at 6:30pm.