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Connor Coyle excited by Roy Jones Jr’s big plans


Connor Coyle [9(3)-0] feels everything is finally coming together for hm in his pro career.

The Derry middleweight turned pro in Florida in 2016 with esteemed trainer Jim McLoughlin and Fire Fist Boxing and, having built a record, has added boxing legend Roy Jones Jr to his team.

Coyle makes his debut under the RJJ banner tomorrow night in Las Vegas, headlining a big bill at the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, live on UFC Fight Pass.

It’s a strong start for the 28-year-old Foylesider and he believes that Jones can help propel him towards the top end of a busy middleweight division.

“I’m over the moon to be signed with RJJ Promotions,” Coyle told Irish-Boxing.com ahead of his eight rounder versus Robert Burwell.

“I would of been a big fan of Roy growing up, his style was just ferocious. He was the best!”

“They will be my ticket towards big fights. Every one involved with the company is great, they’ve done a lot for us and I haven’t even made my RJJ debut yet.”

“They have big plans in line for me, and I’m keeping on track with everything that I can control, to make sure I am ready 110% every single fight.”

Coyle’s career has mainly played out in America near his Florida base.

Vegas represents the next step and ‘The Kid’ believes he is maturing into a championship level fight

“I’m absolutely ecstatic about fighting in Vegas, let alone headlining here on UFC Fight Pass,” he continued.

coyle rjj

“Everything is coming together finally! I’ve worked so hard without any luck all my life in the amateurs, I’m just glad I’ve grew into myself and my style suits the professional side much, much more.”

“I am a 12 round fighter, I get stronger every round.”

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist hasn’t achieved huge hype back home, yet. However, this doesn’t bother the rising star who believes he is on the verge of a big breakthrough.

Coyle outlined how “I’m not too fussed if I’m underrated at this stage, this is only my tenth pro fight, and I’ve headlined three of them already.”

“I have the right management, the right team, and the right promoter to change all that, alls I have to do is work hard in the gym, and perform in each fight, everything will follow after that.”

Coyle has been hard at work since his comeback win over Travis Scott in February.

Having overcome Lyme Arthritis, the Ulsterman is looking to steamroll Burwell and continue on to big things with Jones.

Coyle described how “my opponent for Thursday is a brawler, swings a lot. I’m expecting him to be scrappy, but we’re ready for any kind of fight he brings to the ring that night.”

“I haven’t taken my foot off the gas since I defeated Travis Scott in February so I’m in tremendous shape right now.”

“All I have to do now is go in and enjoy it.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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