RICHIE Woodhall is adamant former protege Jamie Cox will make it all the way to the top - and has been quick to pledge his continuing help to assist his world title dream.

Swindon's Cox split with his first professional coach, Woodhall, this week but the former Commonwealth Games champion insists they will have a friendship that lasts forever.

The Birmingham-based trainer admitted it made "no geographical sense" for Cox to remain at his gym and insisted he would still be tracking the southpaw's progress - all the way to the top.

Cox has based himself at Paddy Fitzpatrick's Swindon Boxing Academy for the next fortnight, ahead of his showdown with Billy Smith on June 21, but admits he is still considering his future options.

Woodhall has warned it is vital he makes the right decision with his career "riding on it" but is confident he will take the right path in his bid to be the best.

He said: "Jamie Cox really should go all the way to the top. I know people think I would say that but I would not say if I did not mean it.

"There is a long way to go and it certainly won't happen tomorrow but if he keeps working hard and keeps his head down then I expect to see him winning titles in the future.

"There is absolutely no animosity in the split. It just did not make geographical sense for him to keep training in Birmingham. He has a girl in Swindon and he has found it difficult.

"He needs to make the right next decision though. He has good people around him though and I am sure he will."

While Woodhall and Cox's partnership will now cease, the Brummie insisted he would always be at the end of the phone if needed.

"Jamie is a great lad," he said. "Of course I will still help him and if he needs advice then he can ring me whenever he wants.

"He is still going through his boxing education at the moment and at time he does get frustrated because he wants to be fighting tougher people.

"That is healthy though. He is learning the ropes all the time but has already shown the potential he has got.

"I wish him all the luck in the world and, like I say, will always be around if needed."