Hyland has ability to steal a fight but he won’t steal my belt says Russell Jr

Hard work won’t pay off for Patrick Hyland when he fights for the WBC World featherweight title in America on April 16, claims his opponent.

Champion Gary Russell Jr believes that, like any fighter, Hyland has a puncher’s chance and has some upset ability, but he seems confident he will have too much for the Jobstown 32 year old.

“Hyland is going to come in there to win. You have to have that confidence to get in the ring. He’s preparing himself, but the question is, will it be good enough? I highly doubt it,” Russell Jr said this week.

“We don’t take anyone lightly and we prepare to the best of our abilities. Everyone in the ring can pull off the upset. That’s why I have to be prepared to the fullest.”

Former Irish champion Hyland has said he will go and try and rip the belt from the waist of Russell Jr who will be making his first defence, but the title holder thinks he may have to force the fight.

“He’s not really a pressure fighter so I might have to take the fight to him. He’s long and rangy and he tries to keep his distance. He’s not a big puncher but he definitely has the ability to steal a fight.”