This is a bit Rocky IV says ‘part-time’ Hyland ahead of World title tilt

You often hear tales of postmen, factory workers and the like living the dream when a non-league club draws a Premier League outfit come FA Cup third round time.

Well it’s not just footballers that can mix plying their trade with trying to make sporting history, boxing can have fights that are also David versus Goliath in terms of resources.

In fact, the majority of novice professional punchers, or indeed domestic level pugilists, will have some form of work to supplement their income during the formative years of their careers.

In Ireland some of the higher ranked fighters, who are not signed to big promoters have a day job! However, it’s rare to see ring competitors balance work and training ahead of a massive World title fight.

That is exactly what Patrick Hyland, a former goal scoring footballer who was offered trials at Celtic, has had to do ahead of his attempt to become Ireland’s first WBC World champion since Wayne McCullough.

‘The Punisher’ challenges Gary Russell Jr for the sought after green strap at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut on April 16th. Amazingly, Hyland goes into the fight, which could change his life dramatically and secure his place in Irish boxing folklore, having worked full-time up and until three weeks before the fight.

“I work full time. I class myself as a semi pro now. Even now I am working. I am full time with Mobile Plant Glass and they sponsor me. They give me three weeks off before the fight. You have to pay the bills,” the young father explained to Irish-boxing.com

“I get a good purse for this fight and then when – and I mean when – I win there is money to be made. The main goal is to get this title and then I am set.”

The office for Hyland pre-five o’clock may not have been the gym ahead of the massive Showtime broadcast clash, but the middle of three brothers from the respected fight family is adamant that won’t prove a disadvantage.

“It’s a bit Rocky IV. I am Rocky doing it old school, where he might have all the trimmings. It doesn’t matter how and when you put the work in once you put it in. I have trained before and after work and we had a bit extra time for this camp thanks to the delay. I am confident and I have left no stone unturned and I know If I can perform I can become a World champion.”