Nyall and Ollie close in on very big things

Nyall Berry raises a smile at the conference. Pic: Aidan Hewitt

CHAMPIONS Ollie Cooper and Nyall Berry are knocking on the door to big things, many insiders predict.

Tall southpaw Ollie, unbeaten in 11, knows what to expect on the September 13 show at Chase Leisure Centre, a venue in his hometown of Cannock.

He’ll defend his Midlands super-middleweight title against Tom Ramsden, a challenger whose record - 18 losses in 28 bouts (two draws) – does not tell the true story. He’s a tough lad who’s fought away from home and is looking on next month’s opportunity as his “world title” chance.

With the clock ticking an opponent is still being sought for Chelmsley Wood’s English super-bantam champ Berry.

Promoter Scott Murray is still hoping to secure a title fight for the big puncher. Berry does not appear to share the optimism.

“It doesn’t look like I’m defending a title,” he told Sunday’s press conference. “All I know is I’m facing the next job at hand, then we’ll see what comes next.

“If I’m honest, I can make bantam easy. It’s how hard I want to make it – I love my food.”

Ollie Cooper…”Records are for DJs, not fighters”

Cooper, who fights out of Richard Carter’s Wolverhampton gym, admitted his eyes are on bigger prizes, but denied he’s looking beyond Ramsden.

“I’m in a position where I have to be ready all the time,” he said. “They can call me the Cannock ‘Can Man’ because anyone (of the top contenders) can have it. I’ve proved myself and the opportunity will come up.”

Ramsden’s patchy CV has not led him to cut corners in the gym.

“Records are for DJs,” he added. “I know he is going to bring a challenge and I’ll prepare the same way as I would for any other fighter.”