BOXING: Connor Coyle's wasting no time in his climb to the top

CONNOR Coyle is wasting no time climbing up the rankings of the light middleweight division as he prepares to return to the United States for his fourth professional fight.
Connor Coyle, right, in action against Miguel Aguillar during their bout in the National Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/SportsfileConnor Coyle, right, in action against Miguel Aguillar during their bout in the National Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Connor Coyle, right, in action against Miguel Aguillar during their bout in the National Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Galliagh man turned to the pro ranks just last October and already has chalked up three impressive wins on both sides of the Atlantic.

He secured a classy unanimous points win on the ‘Unfinished Business’ promotion at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday night in front of a noisy 100 strong travelling Derry support.

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Chalking up his pro record to 3-0 after a dominant win over Nicaraguan journeyman, Miguel Aguilar on a scoreline of 40-36, Coyle’s career is clearly on the rise.

Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.
Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.

Following a tough training camp in the US and a testing four rounder against his durable opponent on Saturday night, the former St Joseph’s ABC clubman could be forgiven for taking some time out to celebrate.

But it’s straight back to business for the ambitious 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist who will co-star alongside his fellow Galliagh man, John Cooley in a St Patrick’s Day card at the A La Carte Pavillion in Tampa, Florida - the scene of his pro debut victory last year.

“It’s moving faster than I probably expected but it’s good to keep active and keep on climbing the ladder,” Coyle said of his blossoming pro career. “I’m back to Florida at the end of the week and back in the gym next Monday so there’s no rest.

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“I’m at the start of my pro career and I want to keep active and build up the fights. I think the longer rounds will suit me better as I like to wear opponents down. I don’t like wasting energy, I like to pick my shots.

Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.
Connor Coyle, right, lands a right hook against Miguel Aguillar.

“I reckon once I get to the eight or 10 round fights you will see a few more knockouts from me. Opponents can only take so many body shots.”

Originally set to fight Michael Mora, the experienced Nicaraguan boxer pulled out prior to the weigh-in before being replaced by his fellow country man, Aguilar (11-31-1).

However, the change of opponent didn’t disrupt Coyle’s game-plan who always prepares for every eventuality.

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“It was a good fight and I managed to open up and get the punches out a bit. It’s good to get the rounds under my belt and keep a high tempo in fights.

“I thought the fight was fought at a high tempo when I was in the ring but when I watched it back I thought I could have stepped it up a bit more. It’s good to have the fights taped and I can have look back and learn from it. That’s what it’s about at this stage.

“I wasn’t fussed about the opponent as long as I had someone in there in front of me I didn’t mind who it was,” he explained. “I’ve been boxing fighters for years with all different styles and I’ve managed to adapt to everyone’s style.

“Guys like him are always training and waiting for a chance to get a fight. He’s a journeyman and he was definitely fit. I was expecting him to blow up in the last round but he came to fight.”

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It was a mature display from Coyle who was grateful for the large home support on the night.

“It’s a three and a half hour trip to Dubin for the Derry supporters and they were brilliant. The noise was very loud from about 100 Derry people and they got the rest of the stadium going then.”