Highlights
–Ireland’s Patrick Hyland, dressed in his country’s famed emerald green, came out aggressive flicking some quick jabs after the opening bell to prove he belonged in the same ring as 126-pound champ Gary Russell Jr.
–That confidence would be short-lived as Russell’s lightning-fast hands overwhelmed Hyland in the second stanza. A vicious right hook put Hyland on the canvas for the first time in his career.
–Another right hook by Russell mere seconds later put Hyland on his back once more—before another furious combo, fueled by a big left hand, was capped by a right that ended the fight.
So much for ring rust. Gary Russell Jr. hadn’t fought in 13 months, but needed little more than a minute into the second round to defeat Ireland’s Patrick Hyland by technical knockout.
Hyland came out aggressive at the opening bell, flicking some sharp jabs to prove he belonged in the same ring as the champion.
That confidence was short-lived.
Forty seconds into the second round, Russell’s lightning-fast hands overwhelmed Hyland, before a vicious right hook put the Irishman on the canvas for the first time in his career.
Just seconds later, another right hook by the 27-year-old southpaw put Hyland on his back once more.
Another furious combo by Russell—which included a stinging left hand, followed by another right—ended Hyland’s night for good as referee Danny Schiavone waved off the bout at the 1:33 mark of the second round.
Gary Russell Jr.'s superior hand speed allowed the 126-pound champion to retain his world title with a second-round TKO of Irishman Patrick Hyland in Mashantucket, Connecticut. (Stephanie Trapp/Showtime)
