'Special talent' Ursu wins British welterweight title

Constantin Ursu's British welterweight title win shows how much of a "special talent" he is, according to his trainer.

The Plymouth-based Moldovan fighter beat Owen Cooper on points in Derby on Saturday to win the Lonsdale belt.

Ursu added the strap to his Commonwealth and WBO European titles as he extended his professional record to 15 wins from 15 bouts.

"He's been a special talent since the beginning," trainer Marlee Dann told BBC Sport.

"But now it's just starting to be on mainstream TV, he's just starting to get noticed and people only really take notice with a notable fight or when you win a recognised, respected belt."

Ursu's win earns him a contract with Frank Warren's Queensbury Promotions, joining a stable that includes heavyweight stars Tyson Fury, Moses Itauma and Daniel Dubois.

"I think doing a deal signing with Queensbury is as good as it gets," added Dann.

"They were very surprised with how Constantin dealt with Cooper. They thought Constantin was a very good fighter but they didn't realise he was special.

"Having the performance he had is now making people realise he is worth investing time, effort and money into."

Ursu moved to the UK from Moldova as an 18-year-old and has gone from a talented amateur to one of his division's biggest prospects.

Dann is relaxed as to where his fighter should aim next, but feels he has the potential to go all the way.

"At the minute we're prepared for anyone at any stage, but don't forget he is only 15 fights [in], he's 25 years old," Dann added.

"We've still got time where we can develop and grow into these rounds and develop nicely.

"If we are told to box someone for the British title and defend the belt or to box for a different version of a belt, a different version of the European belt, then we will do that until the time comes where we must step up and fight somebody that is on the world scene."