MILDURA boxer Charlie Cooper has been selected to train at the Australian Institute of Sport after another strong win.
Hot off the heels of a powerful showing at last Saturday’s Western Australia versus South Australia boxing tournament, the Ladd’s boxer was named as one of four SA fighters to attend the AIS camp.
Ladd’s coach Jackson Ladd was also selected to coach at the camp from October 5-8, but is unable to make the trip.
Cooper will become the third fighter from the local gym to train at the AIS this year under former Olympian and nationals coach Jamie Pittman.
Cooper has gone five and one in his fights this year competing at events including the Nationals, King of the Ring and WA versus SA.
“It feels really good (to be selected for the AIS camp), I wasn’t expecting it and hopefully I can go there and show Jamie how hard I work,” he said.
“I think I was selected because of the improvements I’ve shown in the last two years.
“I am hoping to learn different workouts, ways I can improve my fitness and learn different styles of boxing I can apply in the ring, it will be great to learn from the best in Jamie.”
Cooper said he felt his consistent hard work throughout the year had led to his selection for the camp.
“I’ve been in the gym working hard but also the work outside of the ring, the runs in the morning, eating right, sleeping right, not going out to parties, it all contributes,” he said.
“In the gym we are all pushing each other and trying to be better than one another which is making us all better, but we are also all there for each other and the hard work we do as a team is paying off.
“Towards the end of the year it is all falling into place and I’m feeling great.”
Cooper said the camp would be good preparation for the upcoming state titles.
“I’m feeling fit, I’m wanting that gold and hopefully all of us can come away with a good win,” he said.
“Coming off this last win has definitely helped my confidence.”
