Kev Hooper.
Fast improving Kevin Hooper is confident of stretching his perfect record to 12 this weekend.
The 28-year-old international masters lightweight champion goes toe to toe with Mark Bett in Barnsley on Friday – determined to continue his steady climb up the professional ladder.
Despite losing 15 of 25 bouts, Bett is expected to provide a stern test for Grimsby-based Hooper.
“I don’t know too much about him to be honest,” admitted Hooper.
“He has five wins to his name and three knockouts so he can bang a bit – that’s something I will have to be careful of.
“This is a four round fight and my promoter Carl Greaves has got me in the ring to keep my ticking over. I want to stay busy.
“I aim to keep this guy at bay, work off my jab, and win the fight. How I win the fights at this stage is not a big thing for me. I just want to keep improving and keep climbing the ladder.
“I have ambitions of fighting for an Area or English title very soon and this fight represents another step in that direction.” Last time out, Hooper proved different class to claim the vacant international masters crown by defeating durable Bulgarian Yordan Vasilev, in Grimsby.
Hooper had his opponent, who possessed a decent record of 10 victories, on the back foot for much of the 10-round contest and won every round on a points decision.
“It wasn’t my best performance wise, but I always felt in control,” added father-of-three Hooper. “My movement was too good for him but that was one of the only bits of my game I was pleased with.
“I want to improve for this fight and put on a bit of a show. If I catch Bett, I will capitalise on it.”
Hooper is looking for funding to help him realise his dream of becoming a full-time professional boxer. If you are interested, call him on 07532 380456.
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