Patera vs Hyland: Paul Hyland Jr challenges European champion Francesco Patera live on Sky Sports

Paul Hyland Jr aims to pull off a European title triumph when he takes on Francesco Patera in Milan on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old Belfast man can propel himself up the lightweight rankings with an upset win over Euro title holder Patera, who should be a familiar face after his classy points win over Lewis Ritson in October.

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Hyland Jr endured his only career defeat at the hands of Ritson, suffering a stoppage loss in a wild first-round shootout in June, but has since rebuilt with two points victories.

Patera then neutralised the heavy-handed Ritson later in the year to retain his title, with the Belgian completing a split-decision victory in his opponent's home town of Newcastle.

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The reigning champion made another defence of his belt in February as he completed a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Petit back in Belgium.

Before challenging Ritson for the British belt, Hyland Jr had gained experience with a string of victories, including a hard-fought win over Stephen Ormond, and is now ready to take another step-up in class against Patera in Italy.

Watch Paul Hyland Jr challenge Francesco Patera for the European lightweight title on Friday night, from 8pm on Sky Sports Action.