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New Year’s Resolutions: Connor Coyle ready to make sacrifices to succeed

Derry middleweight Connor Coyle is keeping busy on both sides of the Atlantic ahead of what he hopes will be an extremely busy year.

Coyle turned professional in Florida last year under esteemed trainer Jim McLoughlin, former coach of Winky Wright, and quickly moved to 2-0.

After an early knockout and a wide points win on his homecoming, the 2015 Commonwealth bronze medalist is satisfied with his start to pro life. He told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’m happy to end the year with 2-0. I like the pros, I feel I will only get stronger each fight, especially with more rounds.”

“I have a lot to improve on, and more to work on, but that’s what it’s all about. Always learning. No one has definitely seen the best of me yet, there’s a lot more to come through. I’ve only been in first gear, the better opponent I fight. or even spar, the better I perform myself.”

After a Christmas spent Foyleside, fight number three will come next month at the National Stadium on the Red Corner Promotions ‘Unfinished Business’ card. His camp for the fight will take place in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Coyle intends to move to the Sunshine State permanently.

The 26 year old outlined how “I’m away back to Florida on Sunday morning to prepare for my next bout I have sparring organised for 4 weeks with top pros. I’m in the process of getting my visa sorted. But in the mean time I’ll be back and fourth until that’s approved. I have a little girl at home, so It’s a little difficult at times, but this is my dream and career, and we have to make them sacrifices to succeed.”

“We are hoping to finished the year at 10-0. Very busy year lined up. It would be great to think about a title so soon, but I’ll just listen to my coach, and do what he says, he’s been around long enough and coaches a lot of great boxers. I would like to be be in the 8 rounders before this year is out. Then I’ll be in for the bigger fights for the better belts.”

Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography

Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show

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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