Hyland wins in Castlebar

22 November 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Patrick Hyland showed exactly why reigning European featherweight champion Sofiane Takoucht turned down a substantial pay-day to face him with an impressive performance against Suat Laze in Castlebar last Saturday.

The middle of three Irish champion brothers moved a step closer to a European title shot by defeating the awkward and pint sized southpaw 98-92 via a performance that was sprinkled with moments of class and patches of raw power.

But if the Dubliner is to get a title tilt and succeed were his brother Paulie Hyland failed just two weeks ago it seems he will have to ensure mandatory status.

Frances rangy EBU champion has already elected against facing the dangerous fighter, who has also been linked to WBO world champion Ricky Burns, despite an enticing purse.

And the more punishment the newly named Punisher inflicts on ranked opponents the less likely Europes elite are to to risk putting their titles on the line against him.

In terms of the European title one or two more big fights and I feel I am there, the 27 year old Tallaght man explained. Time wise that is up to Brian Peters, but as soon as he gets me a shot I will take it. He tried to get the European champion for this show but he wouldnt fight me. It gives me a boost to know the champion is avoiding me, but it seems I will have to move myself into the mandatory to get a shot. I would really like a crack at Takoucht. I have a great record against soutpaws and I would be willing to travel. I feel I am a strong featherweight and I am ready to take on anyone, he added before reflecting on Saturdays fight.

He was a tough guy. I thought I had him gone a few times but he came back. I caught him flush with an upper cut in the last round if I would have landed a few shots like that earlier I would have taken him out. He came with a decent record and these are the challenges I want now. I was very please with the performance.

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