Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper has sent a classy message to Nottingham Forest mad Leigh Wood as he bids to become a two-time world champion tonight. Wood faces heavy-hitting Mauricio Lara at the Manchester Arena with the WBA featherweight title up for grabs.
Lara knocked Wood out in their first meeting at the Motorpoint Arena to secure the belt but he has now been stripped of the crown after failing to make championship weight. Ahead of the mouth-watering showdown, Forest boss Cooper urged him to do the business having got to know Wood during his time in charge at the City Ground.
Steve Cooper said: “I know you would have given everything in your preparation. We spent a bit of time didn’t we at the last fight? It was an honour really to spend a bit of time with you because of what you were feeling and what you were going through. I guess in some ways I’ve been going through some of it myself with the results that I know would have affected you. First of all, it’s brilliant we are staying in the league, I know you will be pleased with that. But you really helped me at times with your words in overcoming some of the results we had. I know how much you understand in dealing with a defeat can make you stronger. I know you will have given everything to put that right. It is a real man that can get knocked down and get back up. That’s what you have done. I don’t need to tell you what to do in terms of your fight because you’re so involved in your performance that you’ll be in the best place possible. No doubt about that. Just back yourself, believe in yourself and control the controllables. You’re in control of your performance. You know the whole of Nottingham is behind you and particularly this football club as well. To have your around, when you were back in Nottingham, between camps was a real honour. It meant a lot to me and the players. Go and do right by yourself mate because I can’t think of anybody more deserving.”
