Best Local Boxer
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.


http://www.riverfronttimes.com/bestof/2009/award/best-local-boxer-854430/