Connor Coyle 'ready for anyone' after impressive Irish homecoming on Zuffa Boxing card
CONNOR Coyle insists he's 'ready for anyone' in his next fight as he works closer toward his elusive world title tilt after an impressive Irish homecoming in Dublin on Saturday.
The Galliagh middleweight extended his unbeaten record to 23-0 with a unanimous decision over American Mark Beuke after 10 rounds on the Zuffa Boxing 10 card at the 3 Arena in the Dublin Docklands.
Coyle's previous 20 fights were fought predominantly in the USA or Mexico with one appearance in the UK. His last fight in Ireland was back in February 2017 at the National Stadium in Dublin, where he defeated Miguel Aguilar in his third professional outing.
Coyle took victory on cards of 98-93, 98-92 and 97-93 following an intriguing clash with Beuke (13-4-0) who suffered his first defeat in 10 fights.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games medallist entered the ring around 5.30 p.m to a rousing rendition of Maniac 2000 and to the sound of a vocal band of supporters who travelled from Derry.
Coyle was cut above his right eye in the opening round but he wasn't deterred and stopped Texan, Beuke in his tracks with a powerful left hook in the second as he warmed to the contest.
The Derry man was more active and landed the cleaner shots but it was a toe-to-toe battle. Coyle upped the ante in the later rounds and with a tricolour draped around him, had his hand raised in victory as the 36-year-old recorded his second win of the year.
Coyle was previously in line for a world title shot, but was given a nine-month suspension following a strongly contested failed drugs test after his win over Vito Mielnicki in New York in February 2025. He returned to action when stopping Pachino Hill in Florida in January. In the last minute of Saturday’s fight, Coyle looked like he might have gone for the kill, but was content to take it to the scorecards. This was his fourth time through the 10-round distance - and will surely be looking for a swift return.
Commenting afterwards Coyle was delighted to get the 'job done' as he looks forward to some well earned family time. "I’d like to thank everyone who’s travelled down to the fight yesterday, the support was surreal. You made some noise, the atmosphere was great! “Thank you to my whole team for everything they do to make all this happen, I’m very grateful to have such a great team. Jim, John, Cooley, Jody, Cahir. “Shout out to Kyle Wallace my Strength & Conditioning coach for all the work we’ve put in over the past six months and thank you to Martin Dunlop, my physio, for getting me back to action.
"The job is done again for now, some down time with my family, then we work on something bigger I’m ready for anyone! “I’ve more people to thank, and I’ll do so over the coming days, as I’m just thankful to be sitting with me family right now after a few months away. “I’ll be doing another post about the support from all my Sponsors.
"Thank you too from the bottom of my heart. I’m spending some family time now, I’ll get back with everyone again soon."