Paul Hyland warns against foolish Ritson based Patera predictions

Paul Hyland [20(7)-1(1)] believes fights fans are adding two and two together and coming out with five in terms of his European title shot.

The Belfast fighter challenges Franceso Patera [21(7)-3(0)] for the European lightweight title in Milan on June 28 and claims those who are predicting the outcome based on their differing results against Lewis Riston are being foolish.

Hyland was stopped in a round by the Ritson in June of last year as the then on fire prospect won the Lonsdale Belt outright while Patera burst the Newcastle fighter’s bubble just four months later.

The Belgian outpointed the pair’s mutual opponent in what was meant to be a massive break out fighter for the Matchroom man at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle to win the vacant EBU strap.

The differing displays against the English fighter have some suggesting a routine win later this month for the champion.

However, while he is aware he will be seen as an underdog ‘Hylo’ is adamant people shouldn’t make predictions on the back of their Ritson displays.

The former British title challenger, who is trained by his father Paul Hyland snr, argues the champion’s style suits his approach and points out any Ritson game plan went out the window when he was caught cold and early.

“No two fights ever work out the same,” he told the Irish News.

“Patera wouldn’t be as big a puncher as Ritson and I don’t think he’ll be able to hurt me although he’s very fit.”

Hyland is confident Patera won’t hurt him ala Ritson in Italy next month, but also believes he doesn’t see his opponent being hurt to the point of being stopped during the fight.

The 28 year old MHD fighter is predicting a 12 round battle where wits will come into play.

“I had a very tough 12-round fight with Stephen Ormond and I think it’s going to play out the same as that. I am training really hard, I’m really putting it in because it’s going to go the distance, I can’t see me stopping him because he’s been in with some good lads and they’ve all gone the distance.

“I feel that I have a better boxing brain than him and I think I can out-work him.”