Tallaght favourite Paulie Hyland 18-2 (KO5) begins his road to retribution when he steps through the ropes in Citywest on the 30th of January. The reputable Dubliner will look to rebuild the promising career that crashed around him in Limerick last November when Willie Casey 11-0 (KO7) prevailed in their all Ireland European title clash.
So dignified in defeat the South Dublin antagonist is resolute to push on from the bitter disappointment of his Continental collapse and look to accomplish all his natural ability and dedication merits.
With training progressing nicely the youngest of three boxing brothers is doggedly focused on January the 30th. Lessons have had to be learned from his Limerick University debacle which Paulie believes will be apparent for all to see in Citywest.
I’m back focused on my boxing and training is going really well, we have been working on a couple of things since my last fight. My father (Paddy Hyland, Trainer) has been getting me back to what I do best and that’s what we have been doing the last few weeks and I’m really enjoying it. I’m back to my best, my hand speed is getting better and better and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I’m just looking forward to the 30th of January to show everyone what my boxing skills are really like, and how much my hand speed has improved.
The immediate plan of action for Hyland is of course a successful outcome on the Dolphil Promotions January event, but long term the silky operator yearns a second crack at Limerick banger Willie Casey. “I would love a re-match with Willie, it’s really something that I want” said Hyland.
While acknowledging Casey accomplished the task at hand, Hyland believes that inadequate preparation time and a questionable decision by referee John Keane to halt the contest played definitive roles in the outcome.
I taught the fight was stopped prematurely, everybody that knows me knows that wasn’t the real Paul Hyland. At the end of the day I wont make excuses I was beaten, but two weeks notice isn’t much for a twelve round fight, while Willie is training for twelve weeks, I’m not taking anything away from Willie, he is the Champion and he done his job on the night, but if you gave me twelve weeks notice and you gave Willie the same you would notice the difference.
Currently a Tallaght – Southhill sequel seems a distant possibility with Willie Casey set to fight Guillermo Rigondeaux 7-0 (KO5) in March, where the Cubans WBA strap will be squabbled over. But Casey’s shot at the big-time could present Hyland the back door to another European blockbuster. With mandatory European challenger Kiko Martinez 23-3 (KO17) being stood up by Limericks Cinderella Man, who vacates his title to attempt a Cuban revolution, who better to provide “La Sensación” his Irish fecha then Hyland. It would offer the Tallaght man ample preparation time, while also facilitating the possibility of Ireland retaining the title and offering domestic boxing aficionado continued bustle.
As it stands their has been no official discussion regarding the Tallaght – Alicante hypothesis, but if I did transpire the Jobstown pugilist would gladly share the roped square with Bernard Dunnes former party pooper.
Yes a fight with Kiko Martinez would interest me a lot. The fact is he vacated that title so myself and Willie Casey could fight. At the end of the day Kiko is the number one challenger out there and he did say that whatever happens in the future with the European Title, he would gladly give me a shot, well so he says, id gladly take it, I would look forward to fighting Kiko.
Coming from a gene-pool where the noble art courses through their veins, Paulie Hyland was never going to allow his European disappointment consume him any longer then was necessary. Immediately returning to the gym, probably the only place real champions find consolation; Paulie and his father Paddy ensured the night in Limerick would only strengthen the young fighter. At just twenty five, time is not an issue for the slick Dubliner and unlike many of that age he is very clear on what he expects come closing time.
“Getting another shot at and winning that European title is what I am focused on. I want to be number one in Europe, and then go on and conquer the world, that’s what I am in the sport for, to be the best”.
