Paul Hyland has stepped into the breach - with the Dubliner now poised to take on Willie Casey for the vacant European title in what will be the first ever all-Irish clash for a European title.
Paul Hyland was already the number one challenger for the European Super Bantamweight title (previously held by Bernard Dunne until his shocking defeat to Martinez in 2007) and with Martinez having decided to vacate the title until he is fit to resume his career it leaves Casey and Hyland to battle it out in a historic night of boxing in Limerick on Saturday, November 6.
“Nothing has changed for me,” stressed the 28-year-old Willie Casey.
“I’m still fighting for the European title in my home town on November 6 and all that matters is leaving the ring with that belt around my waist,” said the Southill man.
“Paul’s an excellent boxer and he presents a different challenge to Kiko, but I’ll have a game plan for the fight.
“I’ve worked so hard for this and made the sacrifices you need to make to succeed at European level. I’ve been in Dublin now for the last seven weeks preparing for this fight and it’s been hard leaving my wife and family, but I know that all the hard work will be worth it in the end.”
A former Irish intermediate featherweight amateur champion Casey is a former member of Our Lady of St. Saviour Boxing Club.
Nicknamed the ‘Big Bang’ Casey’s management team consists of former Olympian and double European championship bronze medal winner Phil Sutcliffe and Don O’Leary.
“We sparred before, but there is a big difference between sparring and an actual fight and I’ve come an awful long way since we sparred.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight and I’m sure the atmosphere in Limerick will be brilliant,” said Casey.
“It will be a very different fight to the Martinez fight, but I still expect plenty of fireworks. Paul is saying he will win over 12 rounds, but that’s a very long time to be in a ring with me! I won’t be making any predictions except that the belt won’t be leaving Limerick,” vowed the Southill southpaw.
Promoter Brian Peters says he is delighted to have been able to salvage the show and create a piece of history in the process.
“It’s amazing that despite Ireland’s proud history in boxing two Irish men have yet to contest a European title, but it will finally happen on November 6 and what a fight it promises to be. It’s a real contrast of styles and what an opportunity for both guys to become Ireland’s next European Champion,” added Brian Peters.
Tickets are priced from €40 are available from www.ticketmaster.ie or 0818 719300.
Jerome O’Connell
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