Tommy Coyle admits next opponent Michael Katsidis is his hero
Tommy Coyle admits he is desperate to enter the ring with Australian hero Michael Katsidis, who has arrived in Britain a month ahead of their showdown.
Katsidis, who will be trained by Maurice Core for the lightweight contest, is taking no chances with his preparations having arranged a month-long training camp before the fight at the Ice Arena in Hull on Saturday, October 25. And Katsidis, who has fought in some epic contests including Juan Manuel Marquez, Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor, is positive he will add the British scalp of Coyle to those of Graham Earl and Kevin Mitchell, who he stopped in 2007 and 2011 respectively. A win for Katsidis will not only see him claim Coyle’s IBF International Lightweight title but will take him a step closer to another crack at a world title.
For Coyle, a win will continue his ascent up the 135lbs rankings and clear the way to a potential Battle of Hull next summer against friend and rival, Luke Campbell. “I used to be a big fan of his and I still am a big fan of Michael Katsidis,” said Coyle. “I’ve watched his fights for years.
"When I was offered the fight, I took it straight away. I think all the boxing fans know I like to be involved in exciting fights and I’m sure this one will be another one of them.”
The 25-year-old insists his thrill-a-minute contender for fight of the year – against Daniel Brizuela in February – hasn’t taken anything away from him as some have suggested. “I don’t think it took much out of me, I’m only young,” said Coyle. “I’ve got fresh legs, it’s not like I’ve been involved in 10 of those fights, it was just the one. I was in fantastic shape. I could have done 15 rounds that night.
“My lasting memory was picking myself up each time from the canvas. As the counts got bigger, the crowd got louder. That’s what picked me up and pulled me through fighting at home. I’ve got fantastic fans.
"But that adds character to someone generally. It’s certainly done that to me. It’s given me confidence. I was in there against a world-class fighter and I was on the canvas four times.
"To come back to win a fight, which many said has been fight of the year, it shows character. It shows I can dig down into the trenches. It’s second nature to me.”
Also on the bill alongside Coyle’s clash with Katsidis will be a fight between Campbell and Coyle's opponent from February, Brizuela, plus Gavin McDonnell will step into international waters for the first time against Vusi Malinga.