Liam Walsh and Paul Hyland clash for vacant British lightweight title
Liam Walsh (23-1, 15KOs), 34 from Norfolk, will go up against Belfast boxer Paul Hyland Jnr (20-2, 7KOs) for the vacant British lightweight title on an action-packed #MTKFightNight event, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.
'Destiny' Walsh has already won the British belt at super-featherweight in 2018. He quickly became a Commonwealth champion within three years of his professional debut, way back in 2010, superseding Ricky Burns' reign. He held on that title for over six years, defending the honours five times.
'Hylo' comes into the contest following defeat to pesky Belgian Francesco Patera (23-3, 8KOs) in his European title bid almost 20 months ago now. It's his second crack at the crown having lost dramatically to Lewis Ritson (21-1, 12KOs) in June 2018 when he was floored three times in the first round as the 'Sandman' retained his Lonsdale belt for keeps.
BBN asked their trusted panel of experts for their professional opinion on who wins and why:
Jazza DickensIBF & WBO European featherweight champion
"I’m going with my man Walshy! Experience and desire!"
Arijan GorickiUnbeaten super-featherweight
"My prediction is Walsh via TKO in round nine. But both fighters were inactive for long time, so after the first round we will see who was more affected by the inactivity."
Tim RicksonBBN Editor
"I think Liam Walsh's vaster experience will be the key factor in this fight.
He has only ever been bettered by one of the best world champions around right now – Gervonta Davies – and has conquered some of the biggest names in British boxing.
He is a former British and Commonwealth champion so has so much experience in these big championship fights at this level. I expect he will be comfortable and relaxed, and his boxing will do all the talking.
I think Walsh will be better in every department and would probably predict a points win, but I wouldn't rule out a stoppage either."
Anish ParekhBBN Writer
"It won't take Walsh long to exploit Hyland's weaknesses and once he does he will end the contest mercilessly.
Walsh by KO in the first five rounds."
Dee the Hat
Boxing trainer
"I’ve got to back the Belfast man Paul Hyland. It’s a very tough fight because Liam Walsh is a top class professional. But maybe, just maybe, the timing is right."
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