Fryers taking inspiration from classy Cousin ahead of ‘must win’ fight
Larry Fryers [11(4)-5(3)-1] goes into a ‘must win’ fight in Philadelphia inspired by his little cousin’s recent in-ring antics.
The New York based Monaghan fighter takes on American prospect Bryce Mills [9(4)-1] at the 2300 Arena, Philadelphia on Saturday night.
‘Lethal’ goes into the bout with the 21-year-old looking to end a run of five fights without victory and hoping to secure his first win since 2019.
He also goes into the clash convinced he can ensure his hand is raised having been spurred on by rising Irish star Caitlin Fryers’ recent European success.
Immaculata BC’s Caitlin Fryers was one of the stories of a happy chapter-packed European Women’s Championships in Budva, Montenegro.
The latest ‘Pocket Rocket’ out of Belfast battled her way into the medals and all the way to finals day, ultimately losing in the light flyweight gold medal fight to 2020 Olympic silver medalist Naz Buse Cakiroglu.
It was a phenomenal two weeks for the latest underage amateur graduate and one that has fueled the American-based Ulster man ahead of what he argues is a crucial fight for him.
“This weekend is a must-win,” he tells Irish-boxing.com.
“I have a destination I want to get to and it starts with beating him on Saturday night. Caitlin is my cousin and what she did was unbelievable, an unbelievable achievement and it’s really inspired me, she is a legend.”
Fryers goes into his latest upset mission on the back of a poor run, granted he was unfortunate to draw last time out, and he tested himself against some very good prospects in the fights prior, but it remains a long time to go without tasting victory.
He claims the run of form hasn’t affected his confidence at all. In fact, in a roundabout way he says it has proved beneficial and believes only now is he in a position to fulfill his potential.
“I believe you either win or learn in this sport, and my recent run, believe it or not, has been a great experience for me. I have had to do a lot of stuff behind the scenes to get everything in place to finally perform the way I know I can. I’ve really enjoyed the learning process I’ve been on and finally am ready to perform and achieve everything I know I can.”
That reenergized Fryers believes he will be too much for Mills, suggesting the young American is in for a bit of a rude awakening in Philly.
“I’m expecting him to come forward as that’s the way he fights but he is going to be in for a shock, as he has never fought anyone like me. He will get the shock of his life come Saturday night. I believe I win and I do it impressively.”
The 32-year-old recently responded positively to a Ryan O’Rourke call out and said he was Darragh Foley keen but revealed he hasn’t heard from either since.
“There has been no word from O’Rourke or Foley to be honest. I’m not worried as I’m going to keep doing my thing and if those fights are in the near future happy days if not il get others. Either way, I’m happy out.”
