Debutant Watch - Johnny Coyle

20 year old Coyle will make his debut Saturday night at Bethnal Greens’ York Hall in a four round bout against Bognor Regis's Liam Griffiths (2-28-1).

What made you want to start boxing?

“Boxing runs through the family. My brother boxed and all my cousins fought too.”

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?

“I didn’t really have a favourite fighter. I just enjoyed taking part in boxing rather than watching it. These days I find Floyd Mayweather very inspiring.”

Did you do much amateur boxing?

“I had around 50 amateur bouts fighting out of Fisher and Newham ABC. I won the schoolboys, I won the junior ABA title. I won two gold medals at the international three nations tournament. I went out to Poland to fight for England. I also won two Haringey box cups.”

How do you know the time is right to turn pro?

“I feel like I have gone far enough in the amateur game and I need something else to focus on. When I was younger I sparred with a lot of pro fighters and now I feel ready to turn over.”

Do you see a difference in the pro and amateur codes?

“The pro game is a lot more settled. In the amateurs your on your toes trying to sneak points. Now I can settle down and plant my feet, throwing more meaningful punches.”

Do you work full-time alongside boxing?

“I work when I can, but training does come first at the moment. My Dad does some ground work so I help him out sometimes.”

What sort of fighting style do you have?

“I like to come forward but I can also fight as a counter puncher. I fight as a southpaw but can switch styles too.”

What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?

“To be honest I’m just starting out and don’t want to be talking about world titles and stuff yet. It would be great to go on and win a British title, to achieve that you have to stick at the game and live the life. I just want to win my debut and see how I progress from there, but I do feel I have the talent to win some titles.”

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