Peters: DiBella has big plans for Hyland-another world title shot not far off
Dublin’s Patrick ‘The Punisher’ Hyland returned to the ring in style in New York last night with an impressive stoppage win over Puerto Rico’s Noel Echevarria.
The bout headlined promoter Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing card at BB King’s Blues club just off Times Square as Hyland put a frustrating 19 months of inactivity behind him. The Tallaght native had been on the sidelines due to contractual issues but quickly shook off any ring rust en route to a fourth round win over Echevarria.
The win sees Hyland impressive record improve 28 wins from 29 fights with 13 KO’s. It was only the second stoppage defeat of Echevarria’s career with his previous inside the distance defeat coming at the hands of touted prospect Oscar Valdez in 6 rounds. Hyland’s sole defeat came in a challenge for the WBA featherweight title in Las Vegas in December of 2012 when he lost a close points decision to feared puncher, Javier Fortuna.
Hyland’s win puts him right back on track for another world title shot in 2015. Speaking after the bout he said,
“I was feeling the rust after two rounds so I tried to relax and let the shots go. I’m happy with the four rounds and the win. I had to put on a performance for the New York fans and all the Irish here. I want to stay active and get another world title shot.”
Manager Brian Peters said, “I thought it was an excellent performance by Patrick considering how long he has been out of the ring. He was very composed in there, found his distance and started to break his opponent down.
“I know Lou has big plans for Patrick now, he got a great reaction in New York last night and we want to build on that. I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before he’s knocking on the door of another World title shot.”