Hyland ready to continue European rise

PATRICK HYLAND will have an opportunity to reinforce his rating with the EBU and, ultimately, his claims for an early shot at a European title when he takes on Suate Laze at the Hunky Dory’s Fight Night in Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar on Saturday night.

The Dubliner, whose brother, Paul, lost to Limerick southpaw, Willie “Big Bang” Casey, in their battle for the vacant European super bantamweight title at the University Arena last Saturday, was originally scheduled to box Massimo Morra who is ranked at No 15 but the Italian featherweight broke his hand sparring for the fight and Laze, an Albanian based in Italy and rated No 14, was quick to accept the offer to fill the vacancy.

Hyland may be rated two places ahead but he expects a tough fight from the Albanian and won’t be taking chances when they touch gloves in the main support to Andy Murray’s clash with world No 14, Claudinei “Volcano” Lacerda.