Dagenham’s Nicky Cook returns to action on October 13 at York Hall – and says his dream of winning a world title is far from over. Cook, suffered his first professional defeat at the O2 Arena in July, in a challenge for the WBO World Featherweight title..
The former British, Commonwealth and European champion showed tremendous heart before falling to class operater Steven Luevano.
Refusing to be disheartened by the loss, Cook insists that he can still be a force at world level.
“Luevano was a great fighter and he deserved to win,” said the 28-year-old.
“But he had been beaten before only to come back stronger, and I can take heart from that.
“They say what makes you a class act is not how you win, but how you come back from defeat.
“I’m still young and I know that I can still be a force at featherweight.
“I was unlucky to come up against a fighter at the top of his game, but I’ll be working hard in the gym to secure a second world title shot.
“I was devastated by the defeat, but the dream’s not over yet. I know my promoter Frank Warren can get me another crack, and I can’t wait to get back to winning ways.”
Cook returns to the home of boxing next month in an eight rounder, and is then hoping to get into title contention.
Derry Mathews’ WBU World Featherweight title defence against Matthew Marsh tops the York Hall bill.
Also on the card is Stephen Foster Jnr, 2006 Commonwealth Games Champion Jamie Cox, Vinny Mitchell, Grant Skehill, Eddie Cocoran, Sam Sexton, Billy Saunders and Derek Chisora.
Tickets, priced at £40 and £60, are available from the Sports Network Box Office on 01992 505 550.
COX KEEPS BUSY
Commonwealth Games Champion Jamie Cox has a busy few months ahead of him.
Following his debut win against Johnny Greaves in July, the young star is next set to appear on October 13 at London’s York Hall in a four-round contest against Bristol’s Lance Verallo and then it’s the massive Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler card at the Millennium Stadium on November 3 in front of an anticipated 60,000 crowd.
After that he has another date lined up in December.
He said, “I’m really looking forward to keeping busy over the next few months. The highlight will be boxing on the Millennium Stadium show, it should be an amazing atmosphere,”
“I’ve been a fan of Joe Calzaghe’s for a long time, and to fight on such a big card is a dream come true.”
“I just want to keep fighting regularly against good opponents and keep learning with my training Richie Woodhall in the gym.”