Comments (0) Best Local Boxer - 2009
Ryan Coyne
Oh-nine was a big year for Ryan "The Irish Outlaw" Coyne. As of late summer the cruiserweight had maintained his undefeated pro record (13-0) and logged a decent string of appearances on the Versus Channel's boxing reality show, The Contender. Coyne never got to spar for the $250,000 grand prize awarded at the close of the series, owing to a nasty cut he sustained during a practice early on. But the Irish O did finish strong, fighting on the undercard in the season finale and overcoming opponent Richard Gingras in a unanimous decision. A Lindenwood University grad who learned to box in local gyms after an injury ended his college football career, Coyne has made a go of pro fighting since being cast on the reality show. He splits his time between Las Vegas and St. Louis and takes at least two fights in the Lou every year.
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