Ormond tips Hyland
1 November 2010 – By Jonny Stapleton
The man with the inside track Stephen Ormond believes the panache of Paulie Hyland will overcome the power of Willie Casey in the first ever all Ireland European title fight this Saturday night.
The undefeated lightweight prospect was drafted into spar both fighters ahead of their mouth watering and historic super bantamweight clash this weekend and having shared the ring with both is leaning slightly toward a Hyland victory.
Ormond, who recently returned from America to sign for Frank Warren, believes the bout will be a tight and tense affair stressing that Big Bangs power ensures he is a serious threat.
However despite admitting that the heavy handed Casey is always just one punch away from victory the Clondalkin man hinted Irish champion Hyland could have one too many tricks up his glove for the Prizefighter winner.
The likeable Caseys camp will argue that he spared Ormond with initial opponent Kiko Martinez in mind and that the pressure game he will bring for his Dublin rival was not on show.
But based on what he has seen first hand Ormond is backing Hyland to come out on top of a tight domestic clash with continental ramifications.
It is a clash of two different styles. Willie is the stronger puncher and fighter and Paulie is more of a boxer, Ormond said. I enjoyed sparring them both and it gave me more of a taste for success. Willie is a big hitter and can do damage but if it goes the distance Paulie has the skills to win it. I think the real winner is Irish boxing and I hope they both enjoy the experience. We are guaranteed another European Champion. If I was pushed for my honest opinion I would say it will be close but I can see Paulie having one to many tricks up his sleeve and winning it over 12 rounds.
Former Irish amateur standout Ormond also has silverware in his sights and is targeting a Commonwealth title shot next year.
The plan is two more eight rounders and then a Commonwealth title fight. Anyone with British licence can fight for that title and Frank Warren is lining up for me.
