‘It’s a joke’- suspicious Conor Cooke hits out as Nathan Thorley clash cancelled for a second time

Conor Cooke [3(1)-0] has been denied the chance to scalp Welsh champion Nathan Thorley [14(6)-0] for a second time- and isn’t happy!

‘Da Crook’ was scheduled to take a step into the big leagues by fighting the undefeated and more experienced operator on November of last year.

However, that fight fell fell through after the entire show was cancelled. The Antrim fighter was delighted when it was rescheduled for March 14 and was intent on doing serious damage in Wales this weekend only to find out last minute the fight was cancelled.

Irish-boxing.com understands the coronavirus was the reason given, but Boxing Ireland felt they could take measures to ensure that wasn’t an issue – and despite offering to do as much, the bout was still pulled from the card.

Team Cooke have suspicions that ‘Thunder Thorley’s’ already agreed May 9, Motorpoint Arena hosted Commonwealth title fight with Chris Billam-Smith was the real catalyst behind the fight being pulled.

There have been suggestions that Thorley’s team were aware Cooke was a risk and where happy to use the virus as an excuse to prevent the Dee Walsh trained puncher from upsetting a Matchroom Sky slot.

Speaking to Irish-boxing.com Cooke went as far as to say he was ‘disgusted’ and called for the fight to be rescheduled again.

“I know 100% I was stopping Nathan Thorley and once again hes been saved.

“A huge opportunity has been took away from me, AGAIN, It was in touching distance. I deserve a third chance for the messing about and to prove that I am at that level,” he said.

“I’m absolutely heart broken and disgusted. Leonard [Gunning, Boxing Ireland] did try everything he could and we both were being flexible with anything they needed, but still it couldn’t be saved.

“I’m sorry for those who have had hassle getting flights and spent hard earned money for the second fight in a row to come see me. Thank you very much to everyone who has shown me support and believed in me. I’ll be back to the gym straight away as I know opportunities can happen at any time. I have a point to prove. ”