NORTHERN Area welterweight champion, Billy Snaith, has retired from professional boxing two months after defeating rival Daniel Cope at Hardwick Hall.

Snaith, who turned professional under Peter Cope Snr two years ago, has five wins and two titles from five outings in the paid ranks, but family commitments have prompted the decision to hang up the gloves.

“I’ve a new baby on the way and really want to spend time more with the family,” said Snaith. “I feel it’s the right thing and have achieved everything I set out to do.

“I won the Northern Area title (on April 22 via a points win over Cope) and that’s what I wanted to do - I have no regrets. I’ll look back in years to come and be happy with what I’ve done.

“It hasn’t been a rushed decision, I’ve thought about it for a while, spoke in depth with family and my team. I was happy to become a professional boxer so to do that, and win a couple of titles, I’m happy.”

The clash with Cope was a well-publicised affair, the pair at loggerheads on social media in the months building up to their title fight, with Snaith taking Cope’s title after ten hard-fought rounds.

Although he promised a rematch, it is now down to the Boxing Board, and the region’s managers and promoters, as to what happens with the vacant title. Snaith was originally scheduled to oppose Tom Whitfield when he joined Steve Wraith’s camp earlier this year, but due to an injury to Whitfield that never materialised.

Cope and Whitfield have faced each other twice already, both earning a win apiece and Snaith believes they should go again, for his relinquished title, adding: “I would like to see Daniel face Tom again, they deserve it.

“What Daniel and I went through was just one of those things. It got heated but it’s over and I hope that, if we see each other at shows, or pass in the street, we can talk.”

Snaith’s Tyneside-based manager, Wraith, was understanding of the decision to walk away, the Ferryhill fighter giving him his first Area champion after nearly five years on the pro circuit himself.

Snaith and stablemate Jeff Saunders picked up titles on the Hardwick Hall show and Wraith said: “It was a no-brainer for me when Billy asked me to manage him and we both knew that he wouldn’t be hanging around.

“I got him two title shots and he was the victor in both. What he’s doing now is admirable and I know he’ll be a miss but family comes first.

“My job is to manage and achieve dreams and it was great while it lasted so I’m sure the boxing family will wish him well.”

Meanwhile, Wraith has added a third Darlington boxer to his stable in the shape of returning bantamweight Chris Woods.

Woods, who trains under the watchful eye of Pete Shepperson (presently putting Stuart Hall through his paces) is now preparing himself for a September ring return following four years away from the sport.

Last time around Woods picked up points victories over Anwar Alfadi (at The Northern Echo Arena) and against Ikhtsham Lone (at Elland Road, Leeds) before turning away from the sport. Now he’s aiming to not only make up for lost time, but win titles, fast.

“The last time I did any proper training was for an exhibition with Tommy Ward a few years ago,” said Woods. “I never wanted to walk away though and always wanted to get back in there and box again. Knowing of (Neil) Hepper and (Carl) Wilson, and what people like Steve (Wraith) are doing in the area helped me make up my mind to return.

“I want to win titles and be in for the Area title within 12 months. Actions speak louder than words though and I believe I’m good enough.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work with Stuey Hall (who is training for the Matchroom show on Tyneside later this month) and that’s good for me as he’s really good at what he does and still has a lot to give.”