Story by Irish Paddy Cronan / Photo by Steve Wellings | Fri. Oct. 15, 2010

On Feb. 19, Bernard Dunne announced his retirement and by default Paul Hyland, at the time 16-1, became Ireland’s number one super bantamweight. His closest challengers for the position, Carl Frampton and Willie Casey were both 4-0. Eight months later and Carl Frampton has extended his record to 7-0 by dispatching of a three-time European title challenger with surprising ease within three rounds. 

Meanwhile Willie Casey traveled to Canada to destroy then undefeated prospect Tyson Cave by knockout, propelling Casey into the Prizefighter tourney as a late replacement for Wayne McCullough where he would stream roll through all before him - ultimately claiming the Prizefighter Super Bantamweight Championship. He would then defeat European ranked Emiliano Salvini over 8 rounds to earn a shot at the European Title held by Spain’s Kiko Martinez.

If Casey somehow manages to outwit or outpunch the Spanish sensation there will be no doubt he earned the crown of number one Irish Super Bantamweight.

While the two young guns were being kept busy Paul Hyland would have two fights - the first was a bold move by his management. Hyland was off to Italy to fight David Chianella for the vacant EU title. It was clear Team Hyland felt the potential reward outweighed the apparent risk, while many Hyland fans thought their man would be a victim of a hometown decision. Hyland was unfazed by the possibility and put on what could be described as a boxing clinic, and brought the title home to Ireland. His next fight was a keep-busy fight against Robert DaLuz.

After the news of Casey's title shot broke, it seemed as if Hyland's risky move to fight in Italy was in vein..that was until Hyland was installed as mandatory challenger to the European Crown in October.

First Hyland has to get by an as yet unnamed opponent on the undercard of Casey’s title challenge. Hyland was obviously aware of the importance.

“It's great news and it's been a long time coming but it means now that my opportunity is just around the corner,” said Hyland. “This just makes my fight on November 6th even more important now so it's important I don't look beyond that.”

Hyland will be looking to introduce himself to the Limerick fight fans in style.

“I'm looking forward to putting on a show down in Limerick. I had been hoping to defend my EU title on the card but because I've been made the mandatory for the full European title, I've had to vacate that belt. So I'm just waiting on confirmation of my opponent now. I'll be looking to up my game because at my best with the ability I have I'll be able to make any fight look easy,” said Hyland.

The youngest of the three Hyland Brothers will be keeping a close eye on the Casey-Martinez battle. He may even have his fingers crossed that Casey pulls off the upset, as this would give him the opportunity to prove beyond any doubt he is in fact Ireland's best.

“Obviously if Willie wins it would mean two Irish men fighting for the European title for the first time ever, and that would be something else so hopefully he does come through. But whoever holds the belt when I get my chance, I know that I'll box the ears off them. I'm first in line now so they won't be able to avoid me and I know I'll be European Champion because whether it's Kiko or Willie, I know that they are just holding the belt for me until I take it off them,” Hyland concluded.

2011 is shaping up to be a vintage year for the Irish Super Bantamweight Division, one man stands in the way, Kiko Martinez………