BritainHeadline NewsWild Geese

Hyland-Devine Irish title negotiations break down

Top Pro Gif Ad
Michael Devine [14(4)-5(2)] and FS Promotions have turned down an Irish lightweight title fight with Paul Hyland Jr.

Both boxers appeared on the recent show at the National Stadium in Dublin on June 25th, with Devine being involved in a crowd-pleasing war and Hyland scoring a first round stoppage.

After their respective fights both Hyland Jr and Devine expressed their willingness to meet each other in the ring for the green belt.

After protracted negotiations, Mark Dunlop offered the Luton-Wexford boxer a title clash with Belfast fan-favourite Hyland [12(4)-0] on the MHD Promotions show at the Devenish on October 8th.

The proposal was today rejected by Devine, who has another bout pencilled in in his hometown in September.

Belfast promoter Dunlop told Irish-Boxing.com that “I am extremely disappointed that the offer was rejected, it was a great fight for the fans. ”

“Paul was willing to put his record on the line with the reward worth the risk of a blemished record.”

“As you know I am not afraid to pitch my guys in to see where they are at.”

“They said they they may consider at a later date but Hylo will push on and top the bill on October 8th”

Dunlop also indicated that other opponents for an Irish title fight had been unsuccessfully sounded out, and that Hylo will now start working towards the BBBoC Celtic title.

When asked for comment, Frank Stacey of FS Promotion reasoned that his team were “looking to have it on our show in December as it will be a neutral ground – not a Mark Dunlop show and not on a show in England – which makes sense.”

‘Chunky’ Devine added that “they ain’t offering great money to go Belfast in October.”

“I’m willing to fight anyone, but they have to make it worth my while.”

“I’m out in September in Luton, so December gives me me the right amount of time to train and win the Irish title.”

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

x