WHO IS TOMMY COPE?
A Boxing Legend from Skegby, Nottinghamshire.
Tommy Cope, a pre-war boxer from Skegby in Sutton In Ashfield, holds a revered place in the history of boxing in Nottinghamshire. Competing from the 1920s to the mid-1930s, Cope was known for his remarkable skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship, making a significant impact on the local boxing scene during his illustrious career.
A Pioneering Force in Ashfield Boxing
Tommy Cope’s dedication and prowess in the ring set a high standard for boxing in the Ashfield area. Known for his toughness and hard-hitting style, Cope was a relentless fighter who travelled the country to compete. He fought as a featherweight and lightweight, taking on the who's who of pre-war boxing, including notable opponents such as Len Wickwar and Tiger Bert Ison.
A Record of Excellence
Tommy Cope’s career was marked by over 70 wins, a testament to his skill and determination. Although his complete record is still to be fully documented at present stands at 79 wins 15 losses 9 draws, his legacy is undeniable. His fights drew crowds from far and wide, and his success inspired many young athletes to take up the sport. Cope's influence extended beyond his own matches, as he became a symbol of determination and excellence in the community.
Other Notable Opponents:
Charlie Parkin - Cope as a Featherweight fought Parkin who was Northern Area Middleweight Champion to a 10 round draw.
Teddy Westray - Cope beat Westray via 4th Round Stoppage for the Junior Lightweight Belt
Buddy Haynes - Cope Beat Haynes via 3rd Round Stoppage in the Midlands Featherweight Competition 1st Series
A Generational Legacy
The spirit of boxing excellence initiated by Tommy Cope did not end with his career. His legacy continued through his family, culminating in the current generation with Rich Fox, an award-winning coach at Ashfield Spartans Boxing Club. Rich Fox, a direct descendant of Tommy Cope, carries forward the traditions and values that his great predecessor established.
Rich Fox: Upholding the Family Tradition
Rich Fox has made a name for himself in the world of amateur boxing, not only as a coach but also as a community leader. His achievements include:
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Inaugural England Boxing Awards: Recipient of the Individual Member Impact Award (2023) for his outstanding service and contribution to amateur boxing.
The Impact of a Legacy
The generational tradition started by Tommy Cope continues to thrive at Ashfield Spartans. Rich Fox’s coaching and community initiatives reflect the same dedication and passion that Cope demonstrated nearly a century ago. This enduring legacy not only honours Tommy Cope’s memory but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of boxers in the Ashfield area.
Celebrating a Heritage of Excellence
Tommy Cope’s story is a testament to the lasting impact one individual can have on a sport and a community. The Ashfield Spartans Boxing Club proudly celebrates this heritage, recognising the significant contributions of both Tommy Cope and Rich Fox to the sport of boxing in Nottinghamshire.
The Tommy Cope Award Belt: Honouring Excellence in Boxing
The Ashfield Spartans Boxing Club proudly presents the Tommy Cope Award Belt to the best boxer of the Ashfield Spartans Boxing Show. This prestigious award is named in honour of Tommy Cope, a legendary pre-war boxer from Skegby in Sutton In Ashfield, whose remarkable career and enduring legacy continue to inspire boxers in Nottinghamshire and beyond.
Why the Tommy Cope Award Belt?
Tommy Cope was renowned for his toughness, relentless spirit, and exceptional skill in the ring. Competing from the 1920s to the mid-1930s, Cope travelled the country, fighting as a featherweight and lightweight against the top boxers of his time, including Len Wickwar and Tiger Bert Ison. With over 70 wins to his name, his career set a high standard for boxing excellence.
Significance of the Award
The Tommy Cope Award Belt is more than just a prize; it is a symbol of the dedication, perseverance, and excellence that Tommy Cope embodied. Awarding this belt to the best boxer at the Ashfield Spartans Boxing Show serves multiple purposes:
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Honouring a Legacy: It pays tribute to Tommy Cope’s significant contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on the boxing community in Ashfield.
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Inspiring Boxers: It serves as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of boxers, encouraging them to strive for greatness both in and out of the ring.
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Recognising Excellence: The award recognises the hard work, skill, and determination of the best boxer at the show, celebrating their achievements in a manner befitting Tommy Cope’s legacy.
What It Means to Receive the Belt
Winning the Tommy Cope Award Belt is a prestigious honour that signifies a boxer’s outstanding performance, resilience, and sportsmanship. Recipients of this award are seen as torchbearers of Tommy Cope’s legacy, embodying the same qualities that made him a legendary figure in the boxing world.
Continuing the Tradition
The Ashfield Spartans Boxing Club is committed to upholding the tradition of excellence that Tommy Cope started nearly a century ago. By awarding the Tommy Cope Award Belt, we not only celebrate the best boxer of each show but also ensure that the values and spirit of Tommy Cope continue to inspire and guide our boxing community.
Celebrating Excellence and Legacy
The Tommy Cope Award Belt stands as a testament to the rich history and bright future of boxing in Ashfield. It honours the past, recognises present achievements, and inspires future champions, ensuring that Tommy Cope’s legacy lives on through the exceptional boxers of Ashfield Spartans.
The Inaugural Tommy Cope Award Belt - Won by Tylor Smithson on the 18th February 2023
The Tommy Cope Award Belt Going Forward
