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Opponent pulls out of fight with top Irish prospect after Googling him


An Irish boxer in America has to contend with a change of opponent before his biggest fight to date next month – with the switch coming in seemingly bizarre circumstances.

Derry light middleweight Connor Coyle [6(2)-0] is based out in Florida and next month is due to step up to eight rounds and appear on a Premier Boxing Champions card.

The St Petersburg-based 27 year old features on a Tuesday night bill at the local Coliseum venue on November 21st, with the Fire Fist card being shown live nationwide on Fox Sports 1.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist was due to face 33 year old Quinton Willis [11(6)-4(1)] in what would have been the toughest fight of his career thus far.

However, Willis has recently withdrawn from the bout – allegedly after Googling Coyle and learning of the Irishman’s level.

Coyle though can reveal that he has already secured a replacement for the fight, and it looks to be an even tougher test. The St Joseph’s man will now face Kansas City’s Calvin Metcalfe [6(1)-0] in an eight rounder.

The 22 year old is a former top-amateur, winning three consecutive Kansas Golden Gloves and competing on the national level.

Since turning pro last Summer he has built an immaculate record and took a step up in August when, fighting out of the away corner, dropped and dominated fellow unbeaten prospect Raymond Handson over six rounds.

Coyle has elocated to the Sunshine State for his pro career, dividing his time between there and Derry. He is trained in the pros by Jim McLaughlin, the man behind light middleweight legend Winky Wright.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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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