Rapid Russell too hot for Hyland
By Stephen Leonard
PATRICK Hyland said dealing with the ferocious hand speed of defending WBC World Featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr was just too much when they met in last Saturday night’s title match in the Foxwood Resort, Connecticut.
The Tallaght man saw his hopes of producing a shock result go up in flames when he was sent to the canvas three times in the second round, forcing the referee to step in.
It was a tentative opening round by Hyland who was always mindful of Russell’s renowned hand speed, but was powerless to do anything to avoid being caught in the second with a heavy left to the body followed by an unmerciful right to the head that signalled the beginning of a swift end to his challenge.
Speaking in the aftermath of his defeat, Hyland told The Echo “I feel ok after the fight.
It was tougher dealing with his speed than I expected. I never recovered from the first knock down. It was a great shot, and he done his job in finishing me in great style.
Yet the Tallaght man remained positive, adding “I fought for the best belt out there against the champion so I don’t feel too bad in losing.
“Right now I’m in New York with my wife and son for a few days to relax and when I get home I’ll have few weeks away from the gym and see what’s next.
“I’ve been working hard in the gym for the past six months so I’m taking some time off to be with my wife and son and enjoy that time” he explained.
The loss was only the second of Hyland’s professional career which has so far spanned 12 years and seen him notch up 31 wins from his 33 outings.
It was also the second time that he has been stopped one step short of world title glory having been beaten on a unanimous decision by Javier Fortuna for the WBA World Featherweight crown back in 2012.
