Boxing In Ireland: Hyland vs. Coveney In Dublin February 13

Undefeated Dubliner Patrick Hyland will be looking to steal the show on the Yanjing Fight Night at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, February 13th when he makes the first defence of his Irish Featherweight title.

The Tallaght puncher is undefeated in 18 professional fights and he will be looking to make that 19 straight wins next month when he clashes with London based Mickey Coveney.

The Irish Lightweight title clash between Cavan’s unbeaten Andy Murray and Oisin “Gael Force” Fagan tops the bill in Dublin with a total of 4 Irish titles up for grabs on the night.

Hyland believes he’s ready to take on the best in Europe and will aim to prove it with an impressive performance against Coveney. The 26-year-old is currently in Scotland where he has been helping Ricky Burns prepare for his upcoming WBO Super Featherweight title fight and he says he’s enjoying the experience.

“It’s been great, it’s exactly the kind of calibre of sparring you need to bring you on,” said Hyland. Sparring with a guy who’s getting ready for a World title fight gives you a chance to measure where you are yourself and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Patrick is one of three boxing brothers with all three reigning Irish professional champs. Eddie, the oldest of the trio is currently in Ukraine sparring reigning European Featherweight champ Oleg Yefimovych, a man very much in Patrick’s sights.

“Eddie’s on a bit of a spying mission for me and I’m sure he will give me a full report on him when he gets home! Yefimovych has the European title and that’s something I definitely want to get my hands on. I’d fancy my chances against anyone in Europe right now so if that fight came along I would jump at it.”

For now though Hyland’s focus is strictly on domestic business and seeing off the challenge of Coveney in what will be the first defence of the title he won back in 2008 with a stoppage of fellow Dubliner and decorated amateur, Paul Griffin.

“It’s almost been two years since I won the title so it’s good to finally get to make my first defence. It’s a title I’m very proud of and I’m not going to let anyone take it off me. Coveney’s a southpaw like Paul Griffin but fighting southpaws has never bothered me. I’ve never been beaten by one and I don’t intend to start now!

“They typically tend to be stand up boxers but Coveney’s more of a pressure fighter so I won’t have to go looking for him so that will suit me and should make for a good fight. Whatever happens I won’t be underestimating him, he’s been in with most of the top guys in the UK and doesn’t get any favours. I heard he was very unlucky to lose to Akash Bhatia last time out and he’s pushed guys like Paul Appleby close so I’m not taking anything for granted.”

Although born and bred in London’s East End Coveney qualifies for an Irish title courtesy of his father who is originally from Cork and the 28-year-old West Ham fanatic says he is delighted to be fighting for the Irish belt. “It will be a very proud moment for me and I know it will mean an awful lot to my Dad,” said Coveney. “It’s a big fight for me and I know Hyland has a good reputation and has a decent right hand but I don’t fear anyone.”

The remaining two Irish title fights on the bill sees Coleman Barrett taking on Colin Kenna in the first Irish Heavyweight title fight for 13 years while Anthony Fitzgerald and Lee Murtagh contest the vacant Irish Super Middleweight title. Two non title fights on the bill will see featherweight prospect Willie Casey and new Belfast pro Jamie Conlan looking to extend their unbeaten records.

Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced €30, €40, €50 and €60 are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) and all usual outlets.