Boxing In Ireland: Martinez Out, Hyland In For Casey European Title Clash

A rib injury has ruled Kiko Martinez out of his European title showdown with Willie “Big Bang” Casey on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick on Saturday, November 6th.

However Martinez’s loss is Paul Hyland’s gain with the Dubliner now stepping in to meet Casey for the vacant European title in what will be the first ever all-Irish clash for a European title.

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 massive and historic Munster V Leinster clash in Limerick.

Hyland, the reigning Irish Champion was already set for action on next months bill in a scheduled contest with Russian Champion Andrey Bogdanov so stepping in to fight Casey was a natural step for the confident Tallaght native.

“I didn’t have to think twice about taking the fight and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be European Champion,” said Hyland. “I know it wont be easy and it will probably go the distance but I’ve no doubt my hand will be raised at the end.

“It’s been a whirlwind few days, I only found out about the fight on Friday after Kiko pulled out injured and I hardly slept on Friday or Saturday night with the excitement. It’s sinking in now though and I just can’t wait.

“I was already training hard for the fight with Bogdanov so I’m in great shape already and just need to work on little things like changing angles and using different shots now because Willie is a southpaw. I’ll get some good southpaw sparring in this week and then I’ll just relax and make sure I’m on the weight in the week leading up to the fight.”

Casey and Hyland have engaged in something of a war or words in recent months, ironically in a dispute as to just who had the right to challenge for the European crown first, a debate that will now be settled in the ring in Limerick where the winner will join the list of European Super Bantamweight Champions alongside the last three holders of the belt, Bernard Dunne, Rendall Munroe and Martinez.

Despite the late change in opponent Casey remains confident that he can join the Munster rugby team in bringing European title glory back to Limerick. “Nothing has changed for me,” stressed the 28-year-old. I’m still fighting for the European title in my home town on November 6th and all that matters is leaving the ring with that belt around my waist.

“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 7 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 in the end.”

Hyland has had 19 fights (18 wins, 1 loss) compared to Casey’s 10 fight unbeaten record and having been a pro for 6 years (4 years longer than Casey he believes all that experience will prove crucial on the night.

“I have the edge in experience both in terms of my pro career and what I achieved in the amateurs and I think that will come into play on the night. Mentally and physically I’ve matured an awful lot thanks to that experience and I’m sure that will be crucial.”

The two men have sparred before but both men believe they will start with a clean slate on November 6th. “You can never read too much into sparring,” said Hyland. “I won’t be underestimating Willie and I know he’ll be there and in my face keeping the pressure on but I’ll be ready for 12 hard rounds and I believe I’ll win on points.”

Casey has also dismissed their previous encounters. “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.

“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.”

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 6th 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. There’s no doubt that Kiko will be waiting in the wings for the winner and that will be another massive night.”

Martinez says he will be ringside in Limerick and is adamant that he will be back to reclaim his title. “I’m very disappointed that won’t be able to defend the title but the rib injury left me in too much pain and it was even hard to breathe,” revealed the Spanish KO artist. “The doctor has hold me that it will take 6 weeks rest but I will be back in the gym then.

“I know that Casey has trained hard for his chance and Hyland was the number 1 challenger so it was only fair that I vacate the belt as they both deserve to fight for the title. They need to remember that it will only be on loan, I will definitely be coming to Ireland to take it back again.

“As soon as my injury heals I will be back in the gym and the European Boxing Union have already decided that the winner will have to face me first so until they do that neither Casey or Hyland will be able to consider themselves the real champion.”

The European title clash between Casey and Hyland headlines a huge night of championship boxing in Limerick which also features the return of Martin “Iron Man” Rogan. The inaugural Prizefighter Champion and former Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion will step back into the ring a year to the day from his last fight in Belfast having made a successful recovery from a career threatening neck injury.

Cork based Cuban hotshot Luis Garcia faces a massive step up in class in just his eleventh pro fight when the World Junior amateur champion takes on former 2 time World Champion Byron Mitchell – the hard hitting American is best known on this side of the Atlantic for being the first man to put Joe Calzaghe on the canvas. Garcia’s compatriot Alexei Collado also features with the Cork based Cuban looking to extend his phenomenal 100% record which has seen him win all 13 of his pro fights to date by stoppage.

An Irish title will be up for grabs in Limerick when Anthony Fitzgerald and Lee Murtagh finally look to get it on with Fitzgerald’s Irish title at stake. The duo were scheduled to clash on 2 previous occasions but both encounters were scrapped after Murtagh was forced to withdraw through injury but he will be hoping it’s third time lucky on this occasion.

Also featuring on the card is unbeaten Limerick based Galwegian Alan Donnellan and exciting Dublin prospects Brendan Fitzpatrick and Gavin Prunty while Galway’s Jon Fogg makes his pro debut against unbeaten Spanish cruiserweight and Kiko Martinez’s training partner Ricky Pow.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Big Bang Theory priced from €40 are available from Ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719300 and all usual outlets.