New York wins for Hyland and Kelly

Paul Hyland made a successful American debut beating Arthur Parker on points.

The Tallaght super bantamweight took his pro record to 9-0 (4 KOs) by winning the four-rounder with all three judges scoring the fight 40-36 in his favour.

Hyland, 22, is a deceptive southpaw and his boundless energy overwhelmed his smaller Pennsylvanian opponent.

It was the former Irish amateur champion's first pro fight in 17 months. Now under the wing of James Moore's manager Brian Burke, Hyland's Stateside assault will be helped by the fact that his training is being looked after by former world champion Tracy Harris Patterson.

Another Irish fighter hoping to make his mark in America is Westmeath light heavyweight Alo Kelly who made his pro debut on the Saratoga Springs card, billed as 'The Night Of Future Champions'.

Kelly had a tough time of it against Poland's Rafael Jastrezbski. Indeed, he was floored two minutes in by a solid right hand from the Pole but regrouped well to take the verdict on points - 39-37, 39-37 and 38-37.

Foot and rib injuries prevented Kelly from debuting previously and at 29 he has plenty of ground to make up.

But the Miltownpass man, who has been John Duddy's main sparring partner for his last two fights, is rated highly by Irish Ropes chief Eddie McLoughlin who reckons Kelly could go in against big names likes Curtis Stevens and Peter Manfredo Jr. after "five or six fights."