Connor Coyle [16(7)-0] has hinted that a big domestic fight could be just around the corner.
Middleweight from Derry faces Silverio Ortiz [37(18)-31(7)] at the Alessi Gym in Tampa, FL next Saturday and if he beats the beefy veteran, expect a big fight to follow.
The 32-year-old is scheduled to defend his recently acquired NABA title against Argentina’s Wenceslao Mansilla in Lowell in October, but hints something bigger may be next, provided he wins when he returns to Florida this weekend.
“I think the big fights are here now, after this fight this weekend we will have a big fight,” he tells Irish-boxing.com before adding “Domestic fight, UK,” when pressed further.
‘The Kid’ does not want to look too far down the road, knowing that victory this weekend is essential.
“I’m not overlooking my fight on Saturday. I’ll take care of business and then look forward to what’s in front of me.”
Originally from Yucatan, Mexico, Ortiz has been a professional for more than two decades and has fought against the likes of Jorge Páez, Steve Forbes, David Díaz, Hernán Ngoudjo, Humberto Soto, Pablo Cano, Radzhab Butaev and Charles Conwell.
He also had big wins over Daniel Seda, Mian Hussain, Armando Robles and Mahonri Montes.
However, the 39-year-old ‘Chamaco III’ last raised his hand in 2018, and can boast only two wins since 2016, meaning Coyle is the heavy favorite for the weekend’s fight. The fact that the Mexican has only been stopped seven times suggests that he should take the rounds of Irish fighters, although the Derry favorite hopes to win inside the distance.
“I hope to dominate Ortiz. I’m Saturday, and I look good doing it. It will be good to get another tough Mexican out of there.”
Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, who promotes Coyle, expects the Mexican to ask questions and also stated that if his charge manages to answer them correctly, he will go on to a great fight.
“Ortiz is a very tough veteran who has beaten a number of good fighters, so Connor can’t take him lightly! If everything goes according to plan on September 17, we will move on to bigger fights.”
Coyle hasn’t always had it easy, but he has pushed hard and earned himself a top 10 ranking in the world, which means he finally brings the kind of reward to the table that will tempt established fighters to risk fighting against the.
Now he plans to use ranking to his advantage and move further up the ladder.
“It’s a great feeling to be ranked number 9 in the world. We have worked hard to get to this and we want to get to the top.”
