Paul Hyland Jr excited by underdog tag ahead of British title showdown

The odds seem stacked against him but Paul Hyland Jr [18(7)-0] wouldn’t have it any other way.

After a break-out 2017, ‘Hylo’ has finally secured a British title shot but has to travel and defeat the next big thing candidate to claim the Lonsdale belt.

The Lagmore lightweight takes on Matchroom’s Lewis Ritson [15(9)-0] next Saturday night [June 16th] in Newcastle.

The Geordie has exploded onto the scene with knockout wins in British title fights over Robbie Barrett, Joe Murray and Scott Cardle – and ‘The Sandman’ now has the chance to win the title outright with victory over the Belfast ticketseller in his home town.

The July 16th clash at the Metro Dome Arena is being built as a breakout fight for the 24-year-old Englishman and Matchroom hope both he and Josh Kelly can make Newcastle something of a boxing haven and a regular stop-off – much like it is hoped for Belfast.

As a result it does seem like it’s not quite a level playing field for the exciting ‘Hylo’ – who warmed up with a win over David Birmingham in April – but the 27-year-old is excited by the challenge.

“It should be good and yes it will be a partisan crowd as he is the home fighter. But I love all that and I am determined to get the job done and bring the belt back to Belfast,” explained Hyland to the Belfast Newsletter before claiming he rejoices in the underdog tag.

“I love being the underdog and I have watched him a few times and I see things in his style that I can take advantage of.”

“He thinks he is strong and marches forward but let us see what happens,” added the fighter who is looking to become the third MHD fighter to claim a big upset this year following Ronnie Clark and James Tennyson’s wins over Zelfa Barrett and Martin J Ward.