Burnett vs Zhakiyanov: Paul Hyland Jnr believes win over Stephen Ormond will move him closer to British title

Paul Hyland Jnr takes on Stephen Ormond, live on Sky Sports

Paul Hyland Jnr says he will set his sights on the British lightweight title, once he’s seen off Stephen Ormond.

The unbeaten Belfast fighter believes a win on the Ryan Burnett-Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard at the SSS Arena on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, could line up a challenge with recently-crowned champion Lewis Ritson.

“Next year I’d love to fight for the British title,” said Hyland Jnr.

Ritson wins British title

Lewis Ritson stopped Robbie Barrett to become the British lightweight champion.

Lewis Ritson stopped Robbie Barrett to become the British lightweight champion

“I’m in the top 10 in Britain now and I know Matchroom have just signed Lewis (Ritson) who had a good win over Barrett. I feel like he wouldn’t be able to push me back as easy so it would make for a cracking fight.”

Dublin’s Ormond (24-4-KO13) heads back to Belfast looking to bounce back from a European lightweight title defeat against Craig Evans, at Waterfront Hall, in July.

Hyland Jnr admits ‘The Rock’ has boxed at a higher level but is determined to prove he is the Irish lightweight on the up, with the British title his aim.

Paul Hyland Jnr has set his sights on the British lightweight title

“He’s definitely my toughest opponent to date. I respect what he’s done and am expecting a tough fight but it’s my time to take over now.

“He’s had an up and down couple of years but there’s no doubt he’s boxed at a higher level than I have at present. It’s a good measuring stick for me to get in and see where I am at.

“Everything has gone well. I’ve done some great strength and condition work for this camp. I’m feeling fit, strong and sharp for this one.”

Tale of the Tape – Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov

“It’ll be a cracking atmosphere in the arena. I have sold a lot more tickets than last time. The Dublin fans for Ormond will be vocal too.”

Hyland Jnr’s clash with Ormond is part of an historic night of action in Belfast as hometown star Burnett clashes with Zhakiyanov in a unification battle for the IBF and WBA super world bantamweight titles.

Watch Hyland Jnr vs Ormond on the Burnett vs Zhakiyanov undercard, at Belfast’s SSE Arena, live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 7.30pm.