JOE Beeden put in a solid performance at the York Hall this afternoon against rising young super-featherweight prospect Jimmy Cooper.

However, it was not enough to prevent him from suffering the 30th defeat of his career as Cooper took a narrow 39-38 decision.

Beeden came into the lion’s den looking to inflict Cooper’s first defeat of his fledgling career.

The 22-year-old, in his 32nd contest, was giving away reach and height to the well backed Cooper and engaged first after a cagey opening.

The Swindon man pushed Cooper back landed with a left-right combination midway through the opening session but a solid left jab from Cooper at the end of the round had Beeden, who been the main aggressor, slightly rattled.

Cooper started the second landing some big shots which sent Beeden on to the back foot as Hampsire boxer started to find holes in his guard.

However, the Richard Farnan-trained fighter tightened up and made life more difficult for his 23-year-old opponent.

The third round saw the pair go toe-to-toe, but Cooper’s reach was the telling factor as he started to pick Beeden off.

The Swindon fighter looked to keep it at close quarter and work on the inside but Cooper’s defence was too good.

Beeden went into the final session and caught Cooper on the temple with a solid left, but the Southampton man was able to respond with a good left and looked to pile the pressure on in the final stages of the session.

But Beeden held on and saw the fight out and will now move on to a rare home fight next weekend at the Oasis Leisure Centre on the Lights Out show.