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Paul Hyland Jr ready to move from fan to champion on big Belfast card

Paul Hyland Jr has been an Odyssey Arena regular over the years, but now he gets to give up his ringside seat for a place in the ring and the Belfast warlord couldn’t be more excited.

The entertaining 26 year old lightweight has turned up to the venue as fan over the years and taken in some of Belfast’s big names at the big venue. Now he gets to live every fan’s dream and takes centre stage on a Sky Sports-broadcast bill as he bids to forge a name for himself.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn confirmed ‘Hylo’ will compete in a title fight on the TV part of the Ryan Burnett v Lee Haskins World title card and the undefeated fighter is delighted to be stepping up at a venue that is nigh on iconic to him.

“I am so excited to be fighting in the Odyssey. I used to go there and watch Carl [Frampton], Big Rogie, and Martin Lindsay fight there as a fan and now I am going to be fighting there,” Hylamd told Irish-Boxing.com

I can’t wait to taste that atmosphere from inside the ring.”

“This is a cracking bill and a nice one to be on. I didn’t know what the undercard was until I turned up for the press conference and there are some top lads on the card,” he added.

Hyland has been a staple of Mark Dunlop’s small hall shows and the Lagmore entertainer believes he is now ready for the bright TV lights as well as the challenges in terms of opponent that is sure to bring.

“They were saying they are definitly getting a title fight for me. I am not to sure who it is against or what belt it’s for, but Eddie told me going to be for a title.”

“I am 15-0 now so it’s time to step it up. I want to push on and I want to get all the titles I can. I was saying to my manager that I am ready and I want these fights now.”

“I don’t feel pressure about stepping to title level. It’s just pure excitement. This is what I want, this is what I am in boxing for, nights like these. I want the big fights and to do well.”

Linking up with Matchroom could certainly help Hyland secure bigger fights, indeed there has been talks regarding a potential British title tilt.

Robbie Barrett is the current champ having dethroned Matchroom’s Scotty Cardle last month but Hyland may have to wait to get a shot.

Regardless, he is confident he has the beating of the current champion and those in the frame.

“I want to fight for the Commonwealth, British, and European. There has been talk of the British and Eddie was saying he will try and get me the winner of whoever Barrett defends against.”

“I am confident I have the beating of Barrett and those in contention.”

The Mark Dunlop-managed fighter has become famed for his wars on the small hall circuit in Belfast and can’t promise he will avoid another all action scrap come June 10th.

“It’s easy to say you will fight sensible. I will work on a game plan and I will know what is needed to win, but if you catch someone or you get clipped that can all go out the window.”

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