Josh Warrington's fight with Patrick Hyland goes ahead despite weight issues
Friday 29 July 2016 16:56, UK
Josh Warrington's fight with Patrick Hyland will go ahead despite the Dubliner failing to make weight.
Hyland (31-2-KO15) came in 2lbs 6oz over the featherweight limit of 126lbs at the weigh-in ahead of his fight with the 'Leeds Warrior', live on Sky Sports 1.
Warrington (23-0-KO4) made the weight, but even after a second weigh-in his challenger was still the same 38 ounces over.
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It means the champion will bring the WBC International featherweight title to the ring at the First Direct Arena on Saturday, but even if he springs a huge surprise and wins, Hyland will not take the belt home.
Warrington is still expecting a tough night's work and with a world title challenge before the end of the year in his sights, is looking to prove he is ready to take on the very best.
"I know he hasn't made the weight but I think he's still going to put it on me and I've got to get him out of there," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"He's already said he's got to try and slow me down so I am sure he will be looking for that big shot but at the same time I like to let my shots go, so expect fireworks."
Even though he didn’t make the weight, we still went face-to-face and he’s clearly fired up.
Warrington is getting married in two weeks but already expects the celebrations to begin on Saturday night in front of a partisan crowd.
With Leeds United star Sol Bamba walking him into the ring and the likes of Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, David Allen, Tyrone Nurse and Tommy Coyle part of a packed card, the 25-year-old admits even he cannot wait to be part of it.
"It's one of the best cards I've seen for a while," he said.
"The arena's normally quiet until I walk in but I think it's going to busy throughout the night. There is some brilliant 50-50s and some top talent from around the country, so it's well worth tuning in."
Meanwhile, those involved in the other three live fights had no such weight issues and can now fully focus on Saturday night.
Many were expecting a fiery head-to-head between Whyte and Allen - who have constantly traded verbal blows over the past few weeks and months - but the heavyweights were on their best behaviour.
