Hyland looking to claim first title and move up the rankings

THE better the opponent the better the performance from Paul Hyland Jr.

The undefeated lightweight prospect takes a natural step up in class on the Test card at the Andersontown Leisure Centre on Saturday night and believes his performance level will, like the challenge, rise.

Hyland has looked impressive since turning pro in May of last year given his sizable support five points wins to celebrate. However, the majority of his foes have been awkward to say the least, unorthodox style you would never have faced in sparring.

The unassuming 24 year old argues he has learnt valuable in each fight, but in Imre Nagy he takes on foe with a winning record, who won’t be as negative as an ultimate pessimist.

Which in turn means Hyland should have more opportunities to do damage and look even more impressive.

“I’ve had a good training camp for this fight and I know this guys is tough enough, so I’ll adapt and fight to the best of my ability to get the win,” Hyland told Irish-boxing.com.

“The better the opponent in front me the better I preform in the ring. That was the case when I beat the two time world champion in the Irish intermediates a few years back.

“I like the longer rounds because I’m always sparring eight to 10 rounds with other pros. i like to keep the pressure up the whole way through the fights and wear people down. With this being an eight round contest hopefully I can show that. If I hurt him I will step in and take advantage of it.

“I happy I’ve hard hard opposition testing me in different ways. I’ve had comfortable wins and I am happy and ready to be fighting for my first title and hopefully I am experienced enough to take home my first belt.”

Hyland fight’s for the not so prestigious International Bronze title tomorrow. It’s one of many straps that frustrates purists, but the Belfast fighter points out the title has merits in terms of improving your ranking.

“It will be good to win and get my first belt. it helps get me up the rankings quicker and get chance of fighting the higher ranker boxers quicker, so its a positive. This year I hope to get another title shot and move up to the top end of rankings.”