Hyland promises to ‘f**k up Warrington’s Elland Road Dream’
Manchester United fan Patrick Hyland is ready is heap more misery on the ‘long suffering’ Leeds United fans.
The Dublin boxer, who was at one time in his youth courted by Celtic, claims he will ruin July 30th opponent Josh Warrington’s dreams of fighting in Elland Road and deny his massive Leeds following a Stadium night out.
One of British boxing’s best ticket sellers, Warrington is believed to be on the verge of a World title fight and his promoter’s Matchroom are confident with a big fight and a big opponent the undefeated former Commonwealth, British and European title holder could sell out the venue which has hosted Leeds United games since 1919.
Hyland doesn’t doubt Warrington’s ability to attract a following, indeed he doesn’t question the 25 year old’s talent, but he is adamant he is going to throw a spanner in the works and register a victory that will make it nigh on impossible for his July 30 opponent to secure a Stadium worthy fight.
“I have always said I would love a knock off this kid to see if he has that potential all those Leeds fans think he has and see if he can fight (Lee) Selby,” Hyland told Irish-boxing.com.
“I am not going over to take part, like another Irish man said, I am here to f**k up his dream. I am going to mess up that big Elland Road show. If he does beat me fair enough, but I can’t see that happening.”
An Elland Road-hosted massive World title fight with a domestic feel all looked set to take place this Summer. Warrington and Wales IBF featherweight World champion Lee Selby looked set to meet.
However, the fight never materalised with some suggesting there was a feeling Warrington needed more time to get to the level of a fighter who has been heavily linked with Carl Frampton.
Hyland, who is coming off the back of a failed World title shot, losing to WBC belt holder Gary Russell Jr, doesn’t see why that fight hasn’t been made claiming when you get a shot at the ultimate prize you take it.
“He should fight Selby. Why wouldn’t you he is a World champion and it’s not as if it is not a pay day. I don’t know what has gone on behind the scenes, but I can’t understand why he hasn’t taken it. Why they have waited so long to put him in at World level?
“I got offered Russell Jr and I took it straight away, why wouldn’t I? A world title fight? That is what we are in the game for to challenge the best for titles. Back in the day I was the same for (Javier) Fortuna – no asking about money or what is involved. A big name for a title, you say yes.
“I don’t know what is taking them so long to fight for a World title. He beat who he had to at European level and was British and Commonwealth champion, WBC International now. Why hasn’t he not jumped yet.”
Hyland had to bid his time, but has challenged for the WBC featherweight title and the WBA Interim title being stopped by Gary Russell Jr and out pointed by Javier Fortuna respectively.
And the Jobstown man believes that, that stoppage defeat in America earlier this year was key to him finally getting a shot at the Sky name.
“If you think about it, it took me to get stopped to fight me. I think they are looking at it as if you do a job on Hyland a-la Russell, and we will get you a title shot or your there. They are trying to use me as a stepping stone, a good fighter, good record and a high enough profile, but that’s not going to happen. I am going over to mess up the Elland Road dream.”
