WORCESTER boxer Owen Cooper resumes a long-term plan to prove himself as the best of British when he makes his professional debut this weekend.

Former Worcester City Amateur Boxing Club fighter Cooper joins the welterweight division with Malcolm Melvin training him for the switch.

He features on BCB Promotions’ Britain Awaits show at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday.

Teenage prospect Cooper, who turned 19 just 11 days before his next ring assignment, has sampled success from a stellar amateur career.

He became an England youth national champion last year before stepping up to the seniors for the 2019 elite competition.

Cooper scored a unanimous points result over Youness Baati who has featured for Morocco Atlas Lions in the World Series of Boxing.

Second seed Elliott Whale ended his run in the national quarter-finals, squeezing past him on a split decision.

Cooper has also represented England on four occasions, recording three wins for his country, and secured silver in the GB Championships.

His amateur ledger finished on 41 outings with 32 wins including 17 successes over fellow national champions.

Cooper's preparations for the pros have seen him spar with BCB stable-mates Sid Bowater and Levi Ferguson plus fellow former amateur star Tommy Collins.

He said: “I did well as an amateur, even after winning the national title.

"I only went out of the elites on a split and I beat the Moroccan lad unanimously.

“I boxed a few times for England but I never really felt like my face fit.

"I would always do well in sparring but it never seemed to get me anywhere.

“It would have been a long time to wait before the elites came around again so I’ve decided to take the plunge and turn pro.

“Sparring with the pros is a different level. I’ve found that the pace is slower and you get hit harder. I’ve soaked it all up and got used to it.

“I beat some good opponents as an amateur and I don’t see why I can’t do the same as a pro. My aim is the British title. I would be living the dream from there.

“I won silver in the GB Championships but I never got to nail down the number one spot domestically and that’s still something I want to do.

“It’s exciting to make my debut and as soon as the bell goes the nerves will go out of the window and I’ll do what I do.

“My coach calls me Classy Cooper because I can box on the back-foot and mix it up. I won’t give up and I’ll have a fight with anyone.”

Meanwhile, Lennox Clarke and Andrew Robinson, two men knocking on the door of British title contention, are both in action at the top.

Clarke from Halesowen will contest the vacant British middleweight crown with Commonwealth champion Lerrone Richards.

Robinson, of Redditch, has been selected to oppose British middleweight boss Liam Williams.

Liam Davies, of Donnington in Telford, resumes his efforts in the super bantamweight division.

Dudley’s Ruben Campbell prepares to lace on the gloves again as does Rachel Ball from Aldridge.

Two debutants complete the presence in the home corner with Knowle's Dylan Norman and Wednesbury's Kashif Khan.

Tickets are on sale now from the town hall box office on 0845 111 2900.