Derry middleweight Connor Coyle still chasing his American Dream

The Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant travel restrictions have put his career on hold but the Galliagh man can now see light at the end of the tunnel as he looks to punch back.

It’s been 12 months since he was last in the ring but he’s back in training, preparing for a return to the fight game next March 12th in Tampa, Florida.

That, of course, is very much dependent on resolving his work visa issues to ensure entry into the United States.

‘The Kid’ Coyle isn’t prepared to allow red tape issues hold him back any longer, however, and as a free agent he’s willing to listen to offers from promoters on this side of the Atlantic should his travel plans be put on hold again.

Should everything go to plan during the coming months, Coyle plans on being pretty active with three fights in quick succession in the US before the summer and then a potential title tilt by the end of the year.

Having watched his plans derail in 2020, the talented 30 year-old is determined to get his career back on track as he plots his path to the top.

“I was due to have a title fight in April last year which was obviously a kick in the stomach but it is what it is. There’s nothing I could’ve changed about it.

“We’re pushing forward now and hoping to have this fight in March. Once I get to America I will be staying there for a few fights. I’ll not be taking the risk of coming back home just in case something happens.

“So hopefully I will have three fights under my belt before I come back, just to make up for lost time.

“I’m 12-0 now and I’m ready to break through,” added the 2012 Commonwealth Games medallist. “I’m ready to start breaking into the world rankings. I’ve paid my dues, I’ve a good bit of experience behind me now and I just need to step into world level fights and keep stepping it up every fight.

“My visa has been approved and now that I have a fight contract, I’m hoping that will speed up the process and I can get back over there. My career has been on hold and I need to be fighting, so the sooner I get over there the better. We’re hopeful enough of getting it sorted so we have to stay positive.

“By the end of this year I want to be in the top 10 in the world. So I’ll need to get fighting for a recognised title like an NABF or USBA or even something here like an EBU title.

“Once I get to the summer and have a few fights under my belt we can sit down and see what shape or form we’re in and we will know what we can push for.”

The boxing industry is attempting to rebound from the massive disruption caused by Covid-19 but it’s been a particularly testing time for Coyle considering 10 of his previous 12 fights were fought in the USA.

However, the former St Joseph’s ABC clubman doesn’t regret pursuing his American dream and, in fact, he considers himself fortunate to have teamed up with Hall of Fame trainer, Jim McLoughlin.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” he stated. “I’ve been very, very lucky in America with the team I’ve got behind me. They’ve always looked after me during the pandemic. They’re contacting me every day to make sure I’m okay and making sure I have enough to keep me going. They obviously have my best interests at heart.

“They’ve invested a lot of money in me since I’ve signed with visas and flying me over and back for fights and putting me up. I’ve definitely made the right decision to go to America and I’ve been lucky to fall into the hands of Jim McLoughlin.”

Should his March 12th date fall by the wayside, as a free agent Coyle insists he would certainly consider any fight offers which come his way.

MTK Global Vice President, Jamie Conlan has already declared his interest in Coyle should he wish to fight on one of their promotions in the UK while Mick Hennessy has stated his desire to stage a show in Ireland.

Coyle is open to either option as he plans on staying as active as possible.

“If it doesn’t work out and I don’t get to America for March then I will be fighting somewhere,” he insisted.

“I’m training now for a fight, whether that’s in America, the UK, Germany, Spain or anywhere, I’ll find a card to fight on somewhere.”

Coyle’s amateur boxing coach, Cahair Duffy has been helping him fine-tune his skills at St Joe’s ABC as he tries to shake off the cobwebs which have been gathering over lockdown.

Balancing his boxing with his parental responsibilities has been challenging as his eight month-old son Calaeb and five year-old daughter Clodagh-Rose fight for his attention. However, he’s grateful for all the support he’s getting and insists he’s fully focussed on his career.

“I couldn’t’ thank Cahair enough for helping me. He’s always been there for me. He’s been training me for 19 years and it’s like a full-time job training a professional athlete in a professional training camp. He’s trying to juggle five children and two jobs so I’m not sure how he does it. I just need to lift the world title to pay him back,” he laughed.

“It’s definitely harder training at home. There’s a lot more distractions but I’m not letting them get to me. “I’m fully focussed. Having two young children is hard when you’re exhausted from training as it takes it out of you. But when I’m in America I’m always wishing they’re with me so I’m never happy.

“They’re my whole life and I want to provide a good future for them. Something that’s better than what I had. I never want them struggling or wanting for anything.”

Coyle would like to take the opportunity to thank the following local businesses who have supported him throughout what has been a testing year: Thirsty Goat, Classique Floor Designs, The Bentley Bar, Conor Curley (Curley Cars), Frankie Ramsey’s, Brookland Fencing, Paul’s Butchers, Olympus Fitness, Doire Dress Designs.