By David "Los Gatos" Rosenberg
Undefeated prospect Ryan Coyne (18-0) is in the process of moving from down from the cruiserweight to the light heavyweight division. Coyne turned pro as a heavyweight and has campaigned as a cruiserweight for most of his career.
Coyne typically would weigh in 6 to 8 pounds under the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. He said that the weight disadvantage is one of the reasons he only has 7 knockouts in his 18 fights and that he will have more power by moving down I weight.
"I was a small cruiserweight and as a result my KO percentage suffered. Where I
was a small cruiser I will be a big light heavyweight. I will be a bigger force at light heavy," said Coyne.
The fighter known as "The Irish Outlaw" knocked out Jonathan Corn (47-23) in the first round on October 15th in a fight that was fought at a catchweight of 183 pounds. Coyne thinks he can get down to the 175 pound light heavyweight limit in possibly his next fight.
"I just got a 1st round KO in a fight set at 183. I am looking to get back in the ring before the end of year maybe all the way down at 175. I might take my next fight at 178 or 179 then down to 175. If I can get a fight for a regional title then I will go straight to 175," Coyne revealed.
Coyne closed by saying that the lack of interest in the cruiserweight division in the US coupled with how hot the light heavyweight division is were the motivating factors behind the move.
I think I can be a bigger force in the light heavyweight division. It has more sparkle and pizazz. The cruiserweight division isn't a big deal here in the States."
Coyne, who is promoted by Don King, who gets to get a title shot in the next calendar year.
