Martin Gethin says upcoming opponent Tommy Coyle is 'overhyped'

Martin Gethin says he is confident of springing a surprise when he takes on hometown hero Tommy Coyle in Hull on March 7, live on Sky Sports.

The 31-year-old will be the underdog when the duo clash in a lightweight showdown at the Ice Arena.

But, while respectful of his 25-year-old, opponent, the former British lightweight champion thinks Coyle has been ‘a little overhyped’.

Gethin said: “Tommy’s come on in recent years but he’s got a reputation that, for me, exceeds his ability. He beat Michael Katsidis last time out but, let’s be honest, Katsidis was finished a long time ago.

“Tommy fought Daniel Brizuela and got knocked down four times. He did well to come back and win that one but it seems like he’s easy enough to tag.

“Derry Mathews got him out of there with one punch, so he does have chinks in his armour that I’ll be looking to exploit.

“I’ll pressure him but I will do it in the right way. He’s a good boxer and I respect him but I think I have what it takes to beat him.

“He’s a little overhyped in my opinion and I want to prove that he’s not the real deal. It’s a good fight for both of us. Whoever wins, it’s a decent name to have on your slate.”

Having lost three big fights in a row, Gethin got back on track when he beat Kevin McAuley on a technical decision in December.

I’ll pressure him but I will do it in the right way. He’s a good boxer and I respect him but I think I have what it takes to beat him. He’s a little overhyped in my opinion and I want to prove that he’s not the real deal

However, he accepts that defeat to Coyle will severely hamper his efforts to continue competing against the country’s best.

“A win is always important but this is a big one for me,” said the Walsall fighter. I need to show people that I’m still a force at this level. What better way to do that than live on Sky?

“I’d like to thank (promoter) Eddie Hearn and his team, and my manager, Errol Johnson, for getting me this shot. It’s a great chance for me.

“It’s never the end but a loss would take some getting back from. I look at Derry and how he’s turned things around but the climb is greater after a defeat. Tommy is in front of me and I’m confident of causing what many would see as an upset.

“I don’t see it that way. I’ve got a good record and have been in with some good fighters. I like him as a guy but I’m coming to his neck of the woods and I plan on leaving with the win.”

Gethin’s clash with Coyle is just part of a big night of action in Hull.

Among other intriguing bouts, exciting Birmingham man Sam Eggington will challenge Shayne Singleton for the WBC International Silver Welterweight title, Liverpool’s world-rated super middleweight Rocky Fielding is returning to action after a hand injury, and unbeaten light welterweight star Bradley Saunders will be building up to his Commonwealth title clash with Dave Ryan. 

Watch Martin Gethin face Tommy Coyle live on Sky Sports on March 7