Horvath victory kicks off Hyland adventure for new pro Paul

Paul Hyland Jnr had a tough debut opponent to contend with in the form of Zoltan Horvath on May 10 but the quality lightweight passed his test with flying colours. Not only did Hyland dominate his veteran foe but at times it looked like he might stop the tough Hungarian. That would’ve been quite a feat given that Horvath has only been halted once in 26 contests and that was via a cut.

“He made it scrappy for me and I was just trying to box. I got on top of him in the end. It was frustrating with his holding and coming in with the head and he is a tough journeyman,” said Hyland.

“I was trying to catch him but I was hitting him on top of the head because he was smaller. I was pleased with my boxing and if he hadn’t got so close then I’d have put him away. Hopefully I’ll be out again on June 28.”

The proposed June 28 card has since been postponed, due a glut of shows in Belfast throughout June. That will likely now take place in September and Hyland will be a cert for the bill. Not that he will have to wait long for a chance to flex his muscles again as a fight with Joe Beedon has been organised for Alio Wilton’s June 6 card. That will give the 23-year-old an opportunity to bring his hefty group of supporters along to a Holiday Inn fight night.

“I’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets and helped me on to the victory,” said Hyland.

Paul was amused to hear MC Harry McGavock announce him into the ring as being a WSB (World Series of Boxing) champion, given that he has never taken part in the tournament. However, he did enjoy a recent victory over a former participant.

“I’ve never boxed in the WSB but in my last amateur bout I boxed the Spanish champion who had won in the WSB and got a good win over him.”