Josh Warrington and Patrick Hyland set to battle in Leeds
Saturday 30 July 2016 23:52, UK
Your one-stop preview of Josh Warrington's fight with Dubliner Patrick Hyland, live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday night.
The 'Leeds Warrior' knows a win will set him up for a world title shot sooner rather than later, but what have both fighters and our experts said in the build-up?
Background
Leeds' hometown hero Warrington is edging ever closer to a world title shot, with a night at Elland Road earmarked for the future, but first he must get past the experienced Patrick Hyland, who comes to the UK boasting an impressive record of 31 wins and just two defeats.
Warrington has beaten all before him thus far, claiming Commonwealth, British and European titles along the way, and his latest victories over Joel Brunker and Hisashi Amagasa suggest he is not too far away from completing the set.
Live Fight Night
With current holder Gary Russell Jr looking to move up in weight, a shot at the vacant WBC belt remains a real possibility and both Warrington and Hyland will be desperate to get in pole position.
The 'Leeds Warrior' will once again have his passionate and raucous supporters out in full force, while Hyland will hope to foil any plans of a dream Elland Road world title fight.
What the fighters say
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. I can't wait to see what the Leeds fans have got in store for me.
It's brilliant to have big Sol Bamba walking me into the ring. He is a leader, so who better to lead me into battle on Saturday night?
What the experts say
I think Warrington will have just a little too much and I am expecting it to be a blinding fight, I really do. Hyland has been in the lion's den before and will give it his all.
Style-wise, these two should blend so it could be the fight of the night but I do think Josh Warrington's workrate will see him through. It is not going to be an easy night's work though and Hyland will push him all the way.
Warrington's pace and fitness should see him through. It is a big banana skin and in Hyland, this is a guy who has been in with the best so is no mug.
I like Hyland and he can fight. I just feel Warrington's work-rate is his best asset right now and his confidence is growing.
The weigh-in
Warrington: 8st 13lb 2oz
Hyland: 9st 2lbs 6oz
Hyland failed to make the weight after coming in two pounds and six ounces over the required 126lbs mark.
The fight will goes ahead as a 12 rounder, but only Warrington - who was within the limit - can retain the minor title (WBC international) that's on the line.
The time draws near
Watch Warrington v Hyland plus a packed undercard featuring Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, David Allen and more live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday from 8.30pm.
