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Connor Coyle eyeing Jason Quigley title clash

Derry middleweight Connor Coyle [2(1)-0] harbours a long-term dream to fight Jason Quigley [11(9)-0] in an all-Irish world title fight down the line.

Coyle made his professional debut this Autumn, basing himself under esteemed coach Jim McLoughlin in Florida, scoring two quickfire wins and is currently preparing for fight number three on February 25th at the National Stadium in Dublin.

Donegal’s Quigley on the other hand has turned pro with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014 and faces a another tough test this weekend against Puerto Rican Jorge Melendez on the Bernard Hopkins v Joe Smith undercard in California this Saturday.

While LA-based Quigley may be currently further along in his pro development, Coyle is hoping to catch up in the coming year, and would be open to an Ulster derby.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist spoke to Irish-Boxing.com, and revealed that “I could sure see myself in against Quigley for a title fight down the line. Once I build up that record. It would be a great Irish showdown.”

The pair never fought competitively in their decorated amateur careers, but Coyle explained that he has shared a ring with the 2013 World Championships silver medalist.

“Me and Jason always just missed each other in all tournaments,” he outlined, “but we sparred a few times in Dublin. Cagey enough with each other in the spars, but a fight now would be much different as we have came a long way since then – and even more so further down the line.”

Some might consider such a fight as being unlikely, but Coyle reasoned how “my coach in America has big plans ahead for me next year. He has links with Top Rank, so if I keep winning, then big fights will happen for me.”

The 26 year old Foylesider stressed that the pair shared no bad blood, and feels that a fight is something which could potentially benefit both. Coyle explained how “I get along with Jason, he’s a great lad.”

“Both me and Jason have a dream to become a world champion. I would like to think I could fight for a world title, and defend a world title. If Jason happens to be in that path, then that would be the perfect fight. I 100% think a fight down the line would be a great match with plenty of action for the fans.”

Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography

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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