Fighting at a catchweight of 187 pounds, Galway light heavyweight Tommy O’Toole swept all six rounds against Larry “Hitman” Pryor in their scrap on the “St. Valentines’ Day Massacre” card in Dedham, Massachusetts, last Saturday.
O’Toole outclassed his journeyman opponent, who entered the ring at Moseley’s on the Charles [founded in 1905 and the oldest continuously-running ballroom in the country] with a 15-24 [9 KO] ledger.
In his first six-rounder, O’Toole won all the rounds by scores of 60-54 to improve to 3-0 [2 KOs].
A 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist, O’Toole made his pro debut last September at Moseley’s on the Charles with a first round KO of cruiserweight Francisco Ariri Neto.
The 23-year-old O’Toole is managed by Ryan Roach, the nephew of famed trainer-manager Freddie Roach.
According to irishboxing.com, the 6-foot-three southpaw’s next fight could be on the historic Katie Taylor- Amanda Serrano undisputed lightweight championship match at Madison Square Garden on April 30.
CONNOR COYLE
Still in New England, Connor “The Kid” Coyle steps up against once-beaten Brazilian knockout artist Rodrigo Lopes Rodrigues at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Mass., this Saturday.
Rodrigues [8-1, 7 KOs] replaced rugged contender Guido Nicolas Pitto of Argentina who was earlier slated to face Coyle in the scheduled eight round contest for the ABF Continental Americas middleweight title.
Coyle, a 31-year-old out of Derry who trains in St. Petersburg, Florida, is 14-0 with 6 knockouts.
Rodrigues is coming off a three-year layoff after his first career loss, a TKO defeat to one Mark Reyes, Jr. in St. Petersburg in February 2019.
Coyle-Rodrigues is the co-main event of Reyes Boxing’s “Down & Dirty” card. Melrose Memorial Hall is located at 590 Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at Tinyurl.com/4TMZAWXE . The card will also be broadcast on Throwdownsports.com. Call 978-745-4007 for more information or visit ReyesBoxingClub.com.
HYDE TIME
Light heavyweight Tommy Hyde, a three-time Irish national champion, turns pro on an April 2 card promoted by his father Gary at the Big Top, Glen GGA Grounds, in Ballyvolane, Cork.
The hard punching 22-year-old is training in Springfield, Mass., under veteran coach Hector Bermudez, who’s list of world champs includes TJ Doheny, Jonathan Guzman, Vince Phillips, Ryad Merhy and Javier Fortuna.
Hyde had more than 100 amateur fights and reached the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championships in 2015. He was a nine-time National finalist, captured top honors at the 2019 Harringey Box Cup, and was three-time Celtic Bux Cup gold medalist.
“Since I started boxing at the age of seven, it’s been my dream to box as a professional in Cork, Ireland,” said Hyde. “I grew up going to world championship shows all over the world and I’ve always wanted to fight at that level.
“On April 2nd, I will take the first step in getting there. I’ve had more than 100 amateur fights and feel it’s time to make the move to the pros and fulfill my lifelong dream.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to promote a show in which my son Tommy will make his pro debut, “said proud father Gary. “I’ve travelled the world to sign amateur fighters from so many different countries and this kid was in the bedroom next door.”
