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Stephen Ormond rules out Paul Hyland Jr rematch chase


Stephen Ormond [26(13)-5(1)] has no time for a revenge mission and claims he has no interest in a Paul Hyland Jr rematch.

Recent British title challenger Hyland [20(7)-1(1)] registered a controversial points win over ‘The Rock’ live on Sky Sports in late 2017.

Despite putting some distance and wins between himself and that defeat, including a notable scalp of George Ashie, the Clondalkin puncher notes how a Hylo rematch is a fight he is still asked about.

However, moving into what he hopes will finally be the big year most will argue he deserves, the pragmatic 35-year-old claims a return with the popular Belfast entertainer would serve little purpose.

Ormond is intent on doing what it takes to secure a big fight and doesn’t believe Hyland Jr offers passage to anything big at present.

“I’m happy to be back in the ring this weekend and it’s been good to move on from the Paul Hyland Jnr fight,” explained the Paschal Collins trained lightweight ahead of his fight on the MTK Global card in Brentwood this Saturday night.

That night almost 18 months ago on the Burnett-Zhakiyanov undercard saw Hyland drop Ormond early before a strong comeback from the Dubliner.

Despite the controversy, and a desire from Eddie Hearn for the rematch, neither camp were ever overly keen on doing the fight again and Ormond has now seemingly ruled it out completely.

“On paper he may have won it but most people know that I should have got the decision. People have asked if I’d want a rematch but there is nothing to offer to me as no belt or anything would be on the line, so I’m focusing on myself.”

Since losing to the now light welterweight Lewis Ritson for the Lonsdale belt last summer, Hyland has scored two wins – the second being a gritty win over strong Czech Miroslav Serban.

Joe Cordina will look to soon assume control of the British title to go with the Commonwealth belt in his possession but Hyland’s immediate focus may go to the IBF European rankings belt he formerly held.

This red strap would move into the possession of Robbie Barrett but the former British champion announced his retirement last night, leaving the belt to go vacant.

Meanwhile, Ormond fights for the first time in 2019 this weekend on the undercard of Michael McKinson v Ryan Kelly, live on YouTube.

Victory over Nicaraguan journeyman Oscar Amador [10(1)-13(5)] won’t necessarily move Ormond into title contention and has been brought in as a ring rust oilier ahead of big fights further down the road.

Indeed, the Celtic Warrior Gym fighter is hoping for rounds in England when he takes on the recent Dylan Moran foe over six.

“I’m looking to get the rounds in more so than anything, and I’m expecting to do all of them,” confirmed Ormond.

“At the end of the day it’s better for me to get the rounds in than go out there and blast someone out early.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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