Massive all-Irish clash announced for Burnett-Zhakiyanov undercard

A major all-Irish clash has been today announced for the Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov world title unification undercard.

Matchroom Promotions boss Eddie Hearn this afternoon announced that home favourite Paul Hyland Jr [16(6)-0] will face Dubliner Stephen Ormond [24(13)-4(1)] in a lightweight battle on the Sky Sports card at the SSE Odyssey Arena in Belfast on Saturday October 21st.

A real crossroads clash, 27 year old Hyland will be looking to build on his statement first round stoppage win against Adam Dingsdale on the previous Burnett undercard in June. By comparison, 34 year old Ormond will be looking to bounce back from his painful loss to Welshman Craig Evans the week afterwards.

‘The Rock’ Ormond also holds a win over Dingsdale, having outpointed the Englishman in a competitive fight back in 2013.

Ormond was at one stage seen as the ‘next big thing’ in Dublin boxing, but his career  has suffered bumps recently, most notably a grief-affected WBO final eliminator loss to Terry Flanagan and missing out on an IBF final eliminator with Alejandro Luna after missing weight.

Hyland, after building on Belfast small hall scene, burst into domestic contention this year with a win over Peter Cope followed up by his stunning defeat of Dingsdale.

Hyland’s IBF East/West Europe title, which he won last time out, will be on the line.

Further undercard details will most likely be revealed in the coming days ahead of a press conference in Belfast next Tuesday.