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Unbeaten Irish ring hero Patrick
Hyland, now 23-0 (10), put on a
masterful performance over
twelve hard-fought rounds to
move his unbeaten streak to 23
consecutive wins and in so
doing, became the new World
Boxing Federation world
featherweight king. While Hyland
won just about every round and
was technically outstanding,
credit must go to Frenchman
Phillipe Frenois, who came to
fight and stood his ground
throughout the contest with many
rounds close but with Patrick
simply winning them all. The
most outstanding weapon for new
champion Hyland was his right
hand to the body, and any lesser
foe than Frenois would certainly
not have been standing at the
end.
Hyland proved to be a worthy
world title holder both in and
out of the ring, with the
youngster from Tallagh
being a humble and
respectful man of
class. Patrick's great
popularity in Ireland was
clearly evident by the almost
2000 supporters at the National
Stadium who cheered and clapped
his every move.
The event was put together by
Golden Cobra Promotions whose
organization of the event from
beginning to end proved to be
first class. The boxers and
officials were looked after to
perfection and the WBF will be
delighted to return to Dublin
sooner rather than later. The
referee was England's Mickey
Vann, and the judges were Paul
Thomas (the WBF's UK & Ireland
rep), Emile Tiedt from Ireland
(who both scored 120:108) and
John Coyle (119:109). Special
mention must also be made of the
Irish Commission and their
incredible professionalism and
meticulous
organization. Chairman of the
Irish Commission, Mel Christle,
is a gentleman of note and an
organizer supreme, and indeed
Irish boxing can only go from
strength to strength under his
excellent leadership. |
