Patrick Hyland confident that beating Josh Warrington will lead to world title shot
Wednesday 27 July 2016 19:13, UK
Patrick Hyland says that victory over Josh Warrington will earn him another shot at the WBC featherweight world title.
The pair will headline a huge domestic bill in Leeds, to be shown live on Sky Sports this Saturday, with local hero Warrington's WBC International title at stake.
With current WBC world champion Gary Russell Jr likely to move up in weight in search of a rematch with Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko, the title will likely become vacant and both Hyland and Warrington will know that an imminent shot is a real possibility.
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Hyland (31-2-KO15) actually challenged Russell Jr in his most recent outing but was stopped by the slick southpaw in the second round. Now the Dubliner wants another chance to prove that he belongs amongst the division's elite.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Hyland said: "I'm very confident going into this fight and it's a great opportunity to prove that I'm still capable of challenging for world titles.
"The WBC international belt will be on the line and getting my hands on that should result in a shot at the vacant title, as long as Russell Jr does eventually move up.
"I want to prove that I am elite, I didn't show my true ability against Russell Jr, who is a very special fighter with so many top attributes.
"The likes of Warrington and even Lee Selby - who don't have Russell's explosive power and tricky southpaw stance - are opponents I want to share the ring with and test myself against."
Hyland can expect a raucous atmosphere come Saturday night with the 'Leeds Warrior' fans likely to once again be out in full force in support of Warrington, a prospect that thrills the Irishman.
"I'm excited to see what these Leeds fans have got, how they are in person and how they treat me as I make my ring walk. I know it will be hostile.
"I just hope myself and Josh put on a great show for them and everyone enjoys the night. I'm delighted to be on Sky Sports, even though I'm towards the end of my career, and it's great to finally have this platform.
"I had some difficulties in my career with contract issues and I was out for a while. During that time, Josh and Selby flew up the rankings and won all these titles and now I want to be involved with them.
"They've been talking for a while about having this big domestic clash, but I am ready to ruin that Elland Road dream they both share."
