If Devine wants it he can have it – Hyland open to Irish title fight

Paul Hyland Jr is more than willing to fight Micheal Devine for the Irish lightweight title.

Ever since he was confirmed for last Saturday’s ‘The Future’ show, Devine – a Luton man with Gorey and Connemara roots – has been forthright about his desire to challenge for. and win, an Irish title.

‘Chunky,’ who was beaten by Jono Carroll in the Prizefighter final, has name-dropped a number of potential lightweight opponents including Ciaran Bates, Carroll, and Hyland Jr.

Now Belfast war-lover Hyland has answered his call. The 26 year old is certainly title-keen and we could be set up for an intriguing domestic dust up in the Autumn. The only stumbling block may be which promoter gets to run the bout, with Mark Dunlop wanting to have as top of a Belfast bill, while Frank Stacey would like it in Dublin on the next FS Promotions show.

‘Hylo’ who registered a first round stoppage of Laszlo Fekete on his Dublin debut, much to the delight of his passionate following, told Irish-boxing.com he wants a title fight next and is more than willing to fight Devine for the green belt. 

“We are hoping for titles now,” said Hyland.

“If not next, pretty soon. Micheal Devine is also on this show, he is a nice lad and we were talking earlier. He is eligible for the Irish title and I would be up for that fight.”

“Why not make it happen by the end of the year? It would be a great fight, hopefully it can get done before the end of the year.” 

Hyland had his six round contest moved down the card so he could get a bus back to Belfast with his fans and was in no mood to hang around. He registered his second successive first round stoppage and fourth career win enabling him to go celebrate with his loyal support.

Speaking his twelfth career win he said.

“It was straight in and get the job done. I caught him with a left hook. I seen him come in swinging a good bit and I just lined it up. I timed the shot well.”

“At the start I did sort of go in for a war. He came at him and caught me, it didn’t hurt but I sensed he was strong. I kept him at my range then and I used his come forward motion against him and put him down twice.”