Hyland stops Heagney

05 December 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Paulie Hyland led the National Stadium undercard with a commanding third-round stoppage over the outgunned Eugene Heagney.

The result was one better for Irish super-bantamweight champion Hyland who in 2008 defeated Heagney on points over six rounds. The improvements in Hyland are clear for all to see. Controlled boxing, implementing advice from his corner and sharp, clean punches particularly overhand rights – led to Heagneys downfall.

A wonderful two fisted combination sent Heagney to the canvas in the third. Referee David Irving gave the Huddersfield based Dubliner the benefit of the doubt, but Hyland was not in the mood to waste his opportunity. He immediately pounced, convincing Irving to step in and end proceedings.

Hyland now looks forward to a New Year EU title tilt in Italy and perhaps a bout with a returning Bernard Dunne.

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The new and improved Anthony Fitzgerald brushed aside the disappointment of fellow Irish title challenger Lee Murtaghs withdrawal by pummelling Matt Scriven on points over eight rounds.

Fitzgerald, who has rebuilt with five wins following two defeats at the start of the year now looks a more complete, dangerous operator. A New Year Irish title fight against Murtagh or indeed long-term rival Robbie Long now appears likely and on the evidence of Saturdays performance against tough as old boots Scriven, few would place Fitzgerald as anything other than favourite.

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Elsewhere on the card Omagh native Damian Taggart put his most composed boxing display yet against Wladimir Borov picking up a deserved 60-54 points victory. Taggart who has been in his fair share of wars already in his fledgling five fight career elected to box from distance – although an injured right hand hampered its usage from early in the six round contest. Taggart also picked up a small cut on the hairline, but that said he was in control throughout and should be happy with the progress made.

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There was a series of early blowouts on the card with Michael Kelly, Gavin Prunty and JJ McDonagh all picking up quickfire wins.

Prunty appears to be something of a character and is quickly developing a cult following. In truth we have learnt little about the watersports enthusiasts abilities such was the lack of resistance from Kaloyan Kyuchukov. But truth be told, Prunty is someone we would like to see more of.

Michael Kelly did his bit in helping set up an intriguing clash with countryman Oisin Fagan with a first round stoppage victory over Peter Feher. Dundalk native Kelly appeared to be a man intent on making a statement following a disappointing draw last March. Throwing shots to body and head, Feher offered little in terms of resistance and went down for the count of ten following a left to the body midway through the first round. Hillariously Fehers corner threw in the towel at nine, shouting ten.

JJ McDonagh made it two first round knockouts out of two against Germanys Mario Lupp. The Mullingar super-middleweight had little to overcome Lupp stood in the orthadox stance yet somehow managed to hold his right hand further forward than his left. McDonagh floored the German twice and worryingly hit Lupp on the floor both times. There is talent and power there but McDonagh needs to show a little more control in future.

Stay tuned to irish-boxing.com this week for all the post fight reaction from Macklin vs Pintos, including news on Andy Murray, Paulie Hyland and the prospect of an intriguing clash between lightweights Oisin Fagan and Michael Kelly.