Western Warrior not home to fight not party

August 11 Jonny Stapleton

Like an abundance of Irish emigrants Chicago based fighter Henry Coyle made the trek home for the Geesala Festival this weekend, but unlike the thousands of people that partake in the ‘emigrant celebration’ the Geesala man is home to work not party.

Coyle is planning on becoming WBF light middleweight ring king in the Royal Theatre in Castlebar Friday and is focused on doing his very own Italian job as he takes on Elio Cotena for the vacant strap.

The Western Warrior, who will be shown live on TG4, admits the WBF belt is not the most prestigious of crowns, but claims he is honoured to be worlds championship boxing to the West.

“I am honoured to be fighting for a World title in Mayo. This belt is a stepping stone to bigger things,” the 29 year old told Mirror Sport.

“However for now I am just focused on the job at hand and doing the business Friday. I am confident I can win. I have had a great camp and training has gone well. I will be ready for anything Cotena throws at me. I have been mixing with good lads in sparring and I have a game plan, but ill react to whatever he has,” Coyle added before expressing his delight at making weight without trouble.

“Making the weight was the big issue for me ahead of this fight and I did that handy in the end. I am not worried about my opponent, but I respect him. He has a good record and will be tough.”

There are is a strong Western feel, even spaghetti western with the two Italians on the bill, and Coyle thinks is great to have a show in that part of the country.

He also hopes him being corwned world crown could inspire his beloved Mayo to be crowned champions of Ireland.

“ Hopefully me and Mayo can have double success. I hope I can win and inspire them to go all the way. It could be a great summer for Mayo.”

Coyles manager and father Gerry Coyle claims the fighter, who lost in an Irish title fight to Neil Sinclair is in great shape.

There also seems to a massive community feel to the card and Coyles father stressed if the locals get behind the show Coyle could return home on a more regular basis.

“Henry is in great shape. He is looking forward to the fight and eager to get in the ring. It is a great story the local boy coming home to fight for a World title. He is from a small village and went and won the World Military Games and now lets hope he wins the world title,” Coyle snr said.

“We are delighted to have TG4 on board and no doubt if the show gets supported we could return again. Running shows is very expensive but the community are behind us and there is a great buzz around the area.”

Current WBF featherweight champion Patrick Hyland also faces Italian opposition on the show and will be hoping to push his unbeaten record to 24 fights undefeated.

And the Tallaght puncher is promising big news after his hand is raised in victory tonight.

“I’m certainly not looking beyond Trotta, he’s a former European title challenger,  but there are some very exciting opportunities in the pipeline and hopefully they will be announced soon.”

Bill topper Coyle may have a world title fight to look forward to but fellow local lad  Finbarr Eade is eager to get his hands on an Irish title. The Westport native challenges  Mikey Convey for the super featherweight strap.

“It is all about winning the Irish title for me, not just fighting for it. I don’t want to sound cocky but I want to go further if possible and I’m very confident about this fight,” Eade explained.

Also on the exciting Western card is an all Mayo clash with former sparring partners John Waldron and Michael Sweeney and an appearance of former European title challenger Paulie Hyland.