Hyland and Ormond looking to Bos’ show….
By Stephen Leonard
PATRICK Hyland from Tallaght and Condalkin’s Stephen Ormond are both set to fight on a major show in Boston on Saturday, October 10.
With this PBC card being televised on NBC, it will provide both competitors with some great exposure as they continue their respective drives towards title shots.
For Hyland, this will be an emotional occasion given that it will be the first time he has fought since the tragic passing of his father Paddy back in June.
“This will be my first fight without having my dad in my corner” he told The Echo. “I know he’ll be there in spirit, but it’s still going to be tough not having him there slapping me in the face when I’m not doing well” he joked.
“I was about to pack it all in when he died, but then my son was born a week later and that gave me the motivation to keep going, to do it for him and try and give him something better in life.
“I’m going to be boxing in my dad’s colours- the blue and gold. The last words he spoke to me were always to keep chasing your dream and to never let anyone stop me from doing that.”
With that in mind Hyland travelled Stateside last weekend and will train with Tracy Patterson in the homerun to next month’s contest, which Hyland believes could pave to way to something bigger.
“My promoter Lou DiBella feels if I get a win here I could be fighting for a title next. “I’ve told him that, if the chance came, I’d love to go up against the only man that’s betaten me Javier Fortuna.
“He’s since moved up a weight, but I’d fight him at super featherweight and this time I won’t be holding back” he insisted.
Hyland has won all three of his fights since this defeat, his last victory coming against Manuel de los Reyes Herrera in Madison Square Garden’s.
His compatriot and sparring partner Stephen Ormond is another boxer who appears to be on the cusp of a major title fight.
With just two defeats in 20 professional bouts, Ormond has been one of Ireland’s top boxing prospects in recent years.
While his opponent has not yet been confirmed, it is likely that he may have to move up from lightweight to light welter for this contest.
“I haven’t stop training since my holidays in July-August so I’m in good shape for this fight” Ormond told The Echo.
“I’ve been doing a lot of strength and conditioning work as well as sparring and I’m getting bigger.
“I want the American public to see what I can do and hopefully I’ll be fighting for a title in November” he added.
