Moore Set for ESPN Fight

Irish Voice Sport

Moore Set for ESPN Fight

May 8, 2008

By Declan O’Kelly

LIGHT middleweight James Moore (15-0,10 KOs) will be back in action on June 4 when he makes his debut on ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights against Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin, (14-1-4, 6 KOs), in Atlantic City.

Wicklow native Moore is currently in camp in Sicily for two weeks helping light welterweight Paulie Malignaggi train for his May 24 fight against Lovemore N’dou. Moore will then return to the U.S. to finish preparations ahead of the 10 round co-main event.

Arvin, a 32-year-old from Baltimore, is 1-1-3 in his last five fights. The only loss he has suffered as a pro was to David Toribio in June 2006.

“I can’t wait to open the ESPN show. I’ve been waiting a long time to have a year like I plan on having this year,” said Moore ahead of the Tommy Gallagher promotion in AC.

It is a case of “good things come to those who wait” for Moore. The 30-year-old finally got his chance to shine on March 15 against wily veteran J. C. Candelo, and passed with flying colors.

Now, with the fight airing nationally, Moore has the chance win over some new fans and make the most of the increased exposure. He is happy to work with IBF world champion Malignaggi, who is on the Ricky Hatton undercard at Manchester City Stadium.

“Paulie’s speed will help me prepare for anyone,” says Moore, who hopes to make it a sweet 16th victory to kick off his summer.

Staying in the light middleweight division, Henry Coyle (6-1, six KOs) will step into the ring this Friday to take on Ben Aragon (7-9-2, five KOs) in his first eight rounder at Cicero Stadium, Illinois. It will be the Chicago-based Co. Mayo native’s first time lacing up the gloves since his win over Rashaan Abdul Blackburn on February 26 in Indianapolis.

Coyle was hoping to get a fight before Friday’s “Battle for Pride” promotion, but a few promising leads at match-ups fell through.

“At this stage of my career I have to be ready all the time and ready for anyone,” Coyle told the Irish Voice on Sunday. “But I have put in a savage training camp for this fight. I have done a lot of sparring, and I am in good shape.”

Coyle is trained by Sam Colonna, who also handles Andrew Golota, and does the majority of his training at Colonna’s Chicago Boxing gym.

“I have been working on my head movement and improving the power of my punches, sitting on my punches more. I am ready for eight hard rounds at whatever pace he is willing to go.”

Standing between Coyle and his seventh win as a pro is 31-year-old Montana native Aragon. Aragon has been in action three times already this year, going 1-1-1. His last outing was a draw, against Saul Holguinon on April 18.

“He has a lot of experience,” says Coyle of his opponent. “I’ve slipped up once, and it will never happen again. I have trained for a good win and I want to put on a good performance.”

Coyle will have plenty of family in attendance, with father Gerry and 10-year-old brother Gerard over from Mayo to lend support, while other brother Alan will be in his corner. For ticket information call 312-226-5800.

Finally, middleweight John Duddy (24-0,17 KOs) is back in the U.S. and working with new trainer Pat Burns. Despite four fights and four wins with Don Turner, the unimpressive nature of Duddy’s victory over Walid Smichet prompted Clan Duddy to part ways with the veteran trainer and turn to Burns to guide the Derryman.

“We were concerned about his power diminishing,” Eddie McLoughlin told the Irish Voice about the change, adding that conditioning was also a factor in the decision.

Burns led Jermain Taylor to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. Under Burns’ tutelage, Taylor beat Bernard Hopkins twice before being replaced by Emanuel Steward.

Duddy, on medical suspension until May 23, is in Miami working with Burns ahead of a June 28 return fight at the Castle in Boston.

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