Hyland in pole position

6 August 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

EU Super Bantamweight champion Paulie Hyland is adamant that he, rather Willie Casey, is in pole position to fight for the European Title.

Brain Peters previously revealed that he was in a position to offer either Hyland or Casey a chance to take on the winner of Kiko Martinez and Arsen Martirosyan, who fight for the EBU strap in National Stadium in September.

Team Casey subsequently claimed victory over Italian Emiliano Salvini (13-11-1) in City West this Saturday would ensure they got that fight ahead of the Dubliner.

Irish champion Hyland, however has refuted Big Bang’s EBU credentials arguing he is more deserving and better prepared for a tilt at the prestigious strap.

Indeed the Tallaght stylist stressed he wouldnt even take on the Limerick native in an eliminator as he believes boxing a fighter with just nine pro fights would signify a backward career step.

Hyland, who fights on the same card as Martinez in the National Staduim on September 11, claims as the number one super bantamweight in Ireland and the EU champion he should fight the Spaniard.

I am definitely in pole position to fight Kiko Martinez for the European Title. I am ranked number four in Europe and Willie isnt even ranked. I turned down Prizefighter I saw that as a step back and so is fighting Willie Casey. I want to be fighting 12 rounds not six. I am a champion. You dont see Rendall Munroe or Jason Booth fighting the winner of Prizefighter so why should I? Willie has had nine fights I have had 18 and I am Irish and EU champion. If an Irish man is going to be fighting for the European Title it has to be me because I am the number one in Ireland, the youngest of three champion brothers said.

Bernard Dunne defeater, Martinez endorsed Hylands view point and the pair shook hands re a potential EBU scrap. I would like to endorse what Paulie has said. I would sign on the dotted line for a fight with Hyland if you gave me the contract now.