Hayden plays it safe in pro debut win

WILLIAM Hayden was not taking any chances in his professional boxing debut as he saw off the challenge of England’s Dean Jones in Birmingham on Saturday.

Opting to go six rounds against his far more experienced opponent, the Bohernabreena man refused to overcommit even when he had Jones on the back foot, fearing he might burn-out.

Still he got the job done, winning out on points and setting himself up nicely for a second outing which he is confident will be scheduled for this side of Christmas.

“To be honest, a day or two before the fight I was a little bit nervous” recalled Hayden.

“It’s been 20 months since I fought as an amateur so, without even changing over to pro, that was a long wait to go in between fights.

“You have a load of crazy ‘what ifs’ going through your head even though I was confident I was going to win it.

“But the day of the fight I couldn’t have been in a better place. I was just raring to go, just dying to get in the ring. I had absolutely no nerves at all. I enjoyed every minute of the fight.

“He [Jones] is a tough lad. He’s been in with a lot of top prospects, some of them with records of 7 and 0 when getting in with him.

“He’s had over 30 fights in the last three years and he’s only ever been stopped once. So he’s been very busy.

“I was doing a six-rounder on my debut and not many boxers would do that.

“There were times when I felt I could have really got him out of there, but I was also very conscious about saving my energy for six rounds because I’ve never boxed six rounds before.

“But I did the six handy enough so I think in the future, if I do ever see that opportunity I’ll put more pressure on.

“I was just really worried I might blow myself out and I’d have to go six rounds and have no energy left” he stressed.

One of the most decorated Irish amateur boxers with 11 national titles to his name along with a 2016 European Schoolboy gold medal, Hayden insists he is suited to the pro game and is looking forward to getting back in the ring soon.

“Pro-boxing suits me big time. I have more time to break down opponents” he told The Echo.

“I’ll definitely be out before Christmas. To be honest, I’ll be ready to go in two, three weeks no bother. I’m dying to get back in.”