Hyland bill heating up
14 May 2011
One of Irelands most explosive provincial rivalries is set to reignite as the proud counties of Dublin and Cork brace themselves for the mother of all battles as Leesider Gary Spike O’Sullivan and Royal Blue Robbie The King Long begin preparations for their Irish middleweight clash at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday June 25.
The Pat Hyland promoted Clash of the Capitals will see Corks unbeaten Irish middleweight champion leave his beloved City and make his way up the N8 to defend his crown against hometown favorite and former Irish title challenger Robbie Long.
Having felt a little hard done by following a narrow points loss to Irish super middleweight champion Anthony Fitzgerald last September, Robbie Long is adamant that after their dual on June 25, Spike O Sullivan will be returning to Cork without the Irish middleweight belt.
A lot of people including myself felt that I won my last fight with Anthony Fitzgerald but I didnt get the decision on the night. Thankfully I have been giving another chance at winning an Irish title and I dont plan on leaving any doubt this time around. The loss to Fitzgerald has just motivated me even more, I havent stopped training since that fight and on the 25th of June people are going to be very surprised.
Fight fans will also witness the highly anticipated return of reining Irish champions Edward and Paulie Hyland. Following his unsuccessful European title challenge last November the youngest of the Hyland trio Paulie will finally glove up, looking to quickly establish himself back within European title contention.
Completing the comeback double-act is the current Irish super featherweight strap holder Eddie Hyland who steps back through the ropes following an eighteen month sabbatical. Remembered for some unforgettable tear-ups with the likes of Kevin O Hara and Oisin Fagan, the return of The Pride of Tallaght is sure to add some excitement to an already bustling bill.
In whats shaping up to be an awesome lineup of Irish pugilistic talent, Finglas favorite Brendan Firecracker Fitzpatrick has also been added to the bill. The unbeaten Jim Rock protg will look to make a real statement of intent when he meets Irelands current light heavyweight champion Ciaran Healy. If Fitzpatrick can overcome the tough and experienced Healy in what will be an eight round super middleweight contest, an Irish title shot becomes a real option for the John Breen trained Finglas fighter.
Also announced today by the shows promoter Pat Hyland was his intention to keep the cost of tickets for the Clash of the Capitals at an all-time low, to encourage fight fans to come out and support Irish boxing.
It is very important that boxing fans support shows such as this one and Golden Cobra Promotions are giving a promise to keep ticket prices as low as we possibly can. The most expensive ticket for our show is ringside at 65 and we have kept regular gallery tickets at 25. We have taken a risk by having the ticket prices so low and we hope it will pay off and ensure the boxers are fighting in front of a full to capacity Nation Stadium come the 25th of June. But by the time we are finished announcing the lineup for this show I have no doubt it will be sold out well in advance said the Dublin Promoter.
Tickets for the Golden Cobra, Clash of the Capitals, Fight Night: will go on sale from 9am on Monday, May 11th. Tickets available from Pat Hyland 085-7545861, Carla (National Stadium) 087-2511772 & Stephen Sharpe 0872753793. Also available online at www.greenjab.ie & www.premiertickets.ie.