‘Da I did it’- Hyland ready to dedicate World title win to late father

‘Dad I did it.’ that’s what Patrick Hyland is looking forward to saying after his World title fight with Gary Russell Jr on Saturday night.

Hyland, his family and indeed the boxing family lost Paddy Hyland sr last year and a lot has been made of the fact the Jobstown man has the chance to relise both his and his father’s dream by winning the WBC featherweight World title in America.

The 33 year old former Irish champ has been honest and open about how his father’s passing affected him and has all but embraced the fact he has a chance to pay homage to the man that raised him in and out of the ring.

“It’s massively important for my father and the Hyland name alone,” he told Sky Sports, who will broadcast the fight.

“To finally win ad title would pay off and to look up and say ‘dad, I did it’ would be just… I’d be over the moon. It’d be a dream come true.

“He trained us (Hyland’s bothers Eddie and Paulie were also accomplished pro’s)all through our lives, since we were kids, he brought us up as pros and never missed a fight. He’s always in my corner

“He died from suicide and from depression and it’s hard to keep an eye out for that. I support the suicide prevention people and that is a major part for my family – we’ve been through it and it’s tough.

“It’s for my dad, for my brothers, for my wife and kids, that’s all I’m about and that’s all I want to win this title for.”