MTK Global recently won a purse bid and announced that Liam Walsh will go up against Paul Hyland Jr. for the vacant British lightweight title on Friday February 19th.  [James Tennyson won the title in August and vacated it wothout a defense]. The event will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV.  Walsh (23-1, 15 KOs) lost a world title challenge to Gervonta Davis in 2017, took all of 2018 off and had two wins in 2019, but hasn't fought at all in 2020. He looks to become a two-weight British champion after previously holding the belt at super featherweight.

 

Belfast fighter Hyland Jnr (20-2, 7 KOs) is just as keen to add a championship to his collection, having challenged for the European and British titles over the past 18 months.

 

Walsh said: “I’m grateful to be fighting so early in the new year especially with the current conditions. Big shout out to MTK Global for continuing to put shows on in these hard times. I was pencilled in to fight in March this year but the show eventually got pulled due to the coronavirus. It’s been frustrating not fighting but on the positive side I’ve managed to train throughout and spend time with my family, and now I’m ready for this fight. I know a lot about Paul Hyland Jr. He is someone I’ve always kept an eye on as I thought our paths might cross one day. I’m expecting a very hard fight.”

 

Hyland said: “I’m very excited to have a date and a shot at the British title again. I’ve got this chance to be back in the ring against Liam Walsh, so I can’t wait. Walsh is a world level fighter and is a former British and Commonwealth champion, so he’s very good, but I’m confident for this fight.”

 

Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to announce the date for this tremendous fight between Liam Walsh and Paul Hyland Jnr for the British lightweight title. Liam has been desperate for a big fight for a while, so it’s great to get him in the ring with Paul Hyland Jnr, who will provide a serious test for him. It’s our second massive event announced for 2021, following on from the great show taking place in January that features Karim Guerfi vs. Lee McGregor for the European title, and Sean McComb vs. Gavin Gwynne for the Commonwealth title, so we can’t wait to kick off the year in style.”