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‘Heartbroken’ Conor Cooke sees breakthrough fight fall through

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Conor Cooke [3(1)-0] has been left ‘heartbroken’ after a massive breakthrough opportunity has fallen through last minute.

Cooke was set to take a step up to the big leagues this weekend after he agreed to cross the Irish Sea to take on unbeaten Welshman Nathan Thorley [13(6)-0] on Friday November 22nd at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff.

However, the Antrim Town cruiserweight today confirmed the fight is off.

The entire show has been pulled and as a result the ‘Da Crook’ will have to wait for his breakthrough chance.

‘Thunder’ Thorley did provide the Dee Walsh trained fighter with the chance to fast track his career somewhat. The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, is the reigning Welsh light heavyweight champion but has been campaigning at cruiserweight in recent times.

Indeed having defeated Jermaine Asare for the Welsh 175lbs belt in 2017, Thorley had been due to face former Irish champion Paddy McDonagh for the BBBoC Celtic title this year, but two separate dates would fall through.

Another proposed meeting with Irish opposition has fallen as the fight which was scheduled for six rounds has been canceled.

Speaking online this evening, Cooke confirmed:

“Some bad news folks.

“I’m absolutely gutted even writing this but my fight in Wales has been cancelled. The whole show is off.

“I’m really sorry to anyone who has paid for travel over to come support me.

“My manager Leonard Gunning is trying to sort something else out but it’s a bad time of year to fight.

“I’ve never been as ready or as focused in my whole life. I’m at my best ever and was ready to take that win. Thank you to anyone who has helped with preparation and getting me ready especially my coach Dee Walsh and the lads.

“I’m truly heart broken and was relying on my pay for this fight to see us through Christmas, I’ve gave up so much to stay focused on this fight now I’ll have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what to do!!

“But things could be a lot worse. It just wasn’t meant to be my time this time around but it will come.

“Sorry again to anyone who’s helped me. And thank you all very much for the support. You have all been great and I appreciate everything. Few days off to clear the head and I’ll decide what’s happening next. Seriously cant describe how gutted I am right now.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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