When once-beaten world title contender Patrick Hyland (29-1, 13KO’s) fights on the upcoming “McMayhem in Midtown” card Saturday, March 14, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the featherweight will be fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“I’m thrilled to be headlining a card at the ‘Mecca of Boxing’ on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. It just doesn’t get much better than that,” said the fighting Irishman Hyland. “When I signed with Lou (DiBella) last year, I told him that it was a dream of mine to fight here. Having the chance to headline a card, just days before all of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities just makes it that much more special.”
Nicknamed “The Punisher”, Hyland’s lone defeat as a professional came against undefeated Javier Fortuna for the interim WBA world featherweight title in 2012. Following the loss to Fortuna, Hyland was forced to sit on the sidelines for a year and a half as he waited for his contract with his previous promoter to expire. Once a free agent, Hyland quickly signed with DiBella Entertainment (DBE) late last year and has since strung together two impressive victories; a fourth-round TKO over Noel Echevarria and a dominant points victory over Oszkar Fiko. Hyland is looking to have an even bigger and better 2015, as he continues to stay active and position himself for another world title opportunity.
“Last year was good for me and my career. I was able to sign with Lou, get back in the ring and shake off the rust, and get back to my winning ways. My only loss as a pro came against Fortuna, and even in the loss, I showed the world that I am one of the best 126-pounders in all of boxing. I honestly believe that this is going to be my year. As long as I continue to win and do my job, I know that Lou will give me the opportunities to show the world that I am a force in the division and to once again challenge for a piece of the featherweight world championship,” stated Hyland.
The card on March 14 is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Ring of Fire Promotions and FDNY Bravest Boxing and features an exciting night of both professional and amateur boxing. In addition to Hyland, the proportion of the card will also showcase the long-awaited return of popular light heavyweight boxer-turned-New York firefighter Will “Power” Rosinsky (17-2, 9 KOs). Opponents for both bouts will be announced shortly.
The amateur portion of the card will be made up of fights between the FDNY Bravest Boxing team and the Garda Siochana Boxing team of the Irish National Police Force, who will be making the trip over from Ireland. It will be the third meeting between the two teams, with the 2015 Transatlantic Championship at stake.
