Boxing In Ireland: Woodall Predicting A Mitchell Upset Of Coyle

Having fought Roy Jones Jnr. In an Olympic Semi Final and Joe Calzaghe in a World title bout not to mention winning a World title himself Richie Woodhall’s views have to be respected.

The Birmingham man’s prediction that Delroy “Sweet Dee” Mitchell is going to upset Henry Coyle on this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight night at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar is bound to be a cause for concern for Coyle’s fans ahead of this weekend’s clash.

It should be noted of course that Woodhall’s claim is not an unbiased one, after all he and his father Len train the Birmingham based Mitchell but nevertheless he believes his man can prove to be a party pooper in Castlebar by spoiling Coyle’s homecoming.

The scheduled ten rounder will be Coyle’s first pro fight on Irish soil having racked up eight KO wins from his nine pro outings Stateside since relocating there 18 months ago. The popular Geesala man will have huge support at the Breaffy House Resort on Saturday night but Woodhall doesn’t think Mitchell will be phased by it.

“I don’t think it will bother Dee at all,” said Woodhall. “He’s a very mature guy and will take it all in his stride. Anyway the pressure will be all on Coyle because he’s the local man. I’ve every confidence in Dee for this fight. He’s a good kid and although he had pretty limited amateur experience I think that has actually stood to him because he’s very fresh and I believe he’s at his peak right now.

“He can box or he can fight and he can switch between orthodox and southpaw if he needs to. Obviously we know it’s not going to be easy but we wouldn’t have taken the fight if we didn’t think we could win. He’s trained well for the fight and sparred with Matthew Macklin and that went well so I’m confident that Dee can pull it off.”

Coyle has been preparing for the fight in Chicago and he’s promised to put on a show for his loyal fan base at home in Mayo. The “Western Warrior” said, “It’s going to be a great night for myself, my family, friends and supporters. To fight at home is literally a dream come true and I can’t wait for that first bell to ring.”

Topping the bill at the Breaffy House Resort is the clash between former European Champion, Bernard Dunne and former World title challenger Cristian Faccio from Uruguay.

The card also features Stephen Haughian’s bid for revenge against Giammario Grassellini. The Italian inflicted the first defeat of Haughian’s pro career last December when he successfully defended his IBF Intercontinental title in Belfast courtesy of a split decision so Haughian will be out to settle the score this weekend.

Another highly fancied welterweight on the card is Galway born John O’Donnell. The London based stylist takes on Germany’s Suleyman Dag ahead of a planned British title eliminator against Young Muttley in Nottingham next month.

Tyrone’s Damian Taggart also features alongside Irish – Canadian lightweight prospect Logan McGuinness while Brendan Ingle’s latest protégé, Steve Barnes makes his pro debut.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night are on sale from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.