John Waldron (left) and Michael Sweeney (right) square up at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar ahead of their clash, while Finbarr Eade, who’s also in action on Friday, acts as referee.
TG4 to broadcast Coyle fight
Daniel Carey
TG4 will provide live coverage of the WBF light-middleweight title fight between Henry Coyle and Italy’s Elio Cotena on a big night of boxing at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar next Friday, August 12.
The live boxing coverage, in association with Brian Peters Promotions, will begin on TG4 at 9:30pm with action from the Patrick Hyland v Fabrizio Trotta featherweight contest at 9:40pm. This will be followed by the big world title fight between the Chicago-based Geesala native, ‘Western Warrior’Coyle, and Italian Elio Cotena. The fights will also be broadcast live worldwide on http://www.tg4.tv.
The live boxing programme, Dornálaíocht Beo, will be presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill, with commentary and analysis by boxing guru Seán Bán Breathnach, who will be assisted by veteran experts Colmán Ó Flatharta and Joe Hernon. Viewers will also have the opportunity to see highlights from other fights which will be taking place on the night. There will be a host of local Mayo boxing talent on the card including an Irish title tilt for unbeaten Westport native Finbarr Eade and an eagerly anticipated all-Mayo duel between John Waldron and Michael Sweeney.
Eade has set his sights on an Irish title for some time, and is delighted to take the opportunity to compete for the Irish super-featherweight crown against London-based Mickey Coveney.
“I know I’ve only had six fights, but I think I’ve put in a great training camp and I’m ready for him,” said the Eagle Boxing Club member. “Everything has gone to plan.”
Eade had his last sparring session last Friday, and has been working extensively in Dublin with the Hyland family – coach Paddy and his sons Paul, Patrick and Eddie. “The lads wouldn’t take me on if they didn’t think I was capable of beating him,” Eade told The Mayo News. “And they’ve got a thing about the belt I’m fighting for, because it’s Eddie’s belt, so they want to hold it over here. The last thing I want to do is let a belt go over to England. It’s an Irish belt and it belongs here.”
Eade paid tribute to sponsors Micheál Cusack (Creative Wood), Jason O’Brien Fitness and Cathal O’Connor Tyres, and is prepared to go ten rounds against the “tough, seasoned” Coveney. “We have a game plan and I think it’s going to work,” he concluded.
Elsewhere on the undercard, local bragging rights will be fiercely contested when Michael ‘The Storm’ Sweeney and John ‘The Warrior’ Waldron clash in a must-win fight for both. They traded verbal blows at last month’s press conference and Waldron is relishing the role of underdog.
“Sweeney suggested at the press conference that I wouldn’t turn up, but you’d have to break both my legs for me not to step into that ring. People are saying he’s the bigger guy, he’s had the better amateur career and is more experienced, but all that just fires me up even more and will make it all the sweeter when I win.”
Ballinrobe man Sweeney says: “I know John has sparred with Ian Tims for this fight, but if he thinks that will give him an edge over me then he’ll be disappointed ... I know Tims was slagging me off and calling me ‘the light breeze’ but we’ll see, it’s all about what happens on the night and I’m very confident about the fight.”
Elsewhere, Roscommon’s Darren Cruise looks to extend his unbeaten record against Leeds-based Belfast southpaw Lee Murtagh, while the Hyland family will be hoping for a double celebration as former European title challenger, Paul Hyland joins his older brother Patrick on the card.
Tickets for next Friday’s event (priced from €30, €40, €70 and €100) are on sale from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 719 300, Ticketmaster.ie on 0818 719300 and the boxers on the bill – including Finbarr Eade (087 6140981), Pat Eade (087 2147994), Toby’s Bar (087 2441782) or McGing’s Bar (087 2441782).
