By Jonny Stapleton

JOE Hillerby has set his sights on the Irish light middleweight title after claiming the Northern Irish equivalent in the Odyssey Arena on Saturday night.

The Sandyrow fighter impressed in a one sided victory over Willie Thompson, but refused to bask in his success post fight and quickly outlined his next target to the interested press.

The Emerald promotions jewel outlined 2012 as a break through year and believes Northern Ireland title success is just the beginning

“That’s the start of a what I said was going to be a good year. I just boxed comfortable. I am not even tired now. He is a tough fighter and I couldn’t take him in the end so I just stuck to my boxing. I coasted half the fight. I never went past so the training showed.  I caught him in round 7 but I think I was rushing in instead of picking my shots. I think I hurt him a few times in the fight. I want the Irish title next and I would like to fight Jeff Thomas for it,” Hillerby explained directly after his fight.

The Belfast puncher is one member of new kids on the promotional block Emerald Promotions stable and he believes his stable mates will soon emulate his title winning achievements very soon.

“We have the best camp in Ireland everyone is talking about and they know we are coming. We are going to have all the belts soon. I can’t be more grateful to my trainers they put a lot of work into me and its showing.”