JOSH WARRINGTON dominated and stopped Patrick Hyland inside nine rounds at the First Direct Arena in Leeds as he continues his pursuit of a world title shot.
The unbeaten hometown hero retained his WBC No 1 spot in the featherweight division, though Warrington has been embroiled in a war of words with Matchroom Boxing stablemate and IBF champion Lee Selby.
Warrington began much sharper earlier this evening, quickly finding his range and snapping Hyland’s head back with flashy combinations.
The Irishman gamely fought back though Warrington displayed a level of power that had been lacking in previous performances.
By the sixth, Warrington’s assaults were having a visible effect and Hyland appeared to be wilting. A brace of right hands at the end of the eighth sent him to his knees, though he was saved by the bell.
Warrington continued the onslaught as the ninth began, dropping Hyland with a jab. When he rose, the pair tore into each other however Warrington got the better of the exchange and Hyland dropped hard, prompting referee Ian John Lewis to wave the fight off without a count.
Promoter Eddie Hearn insisted Warrington is now ready for an immediate world title shot – and feels it should take place in Leeds, where Josh has a huge fanbase.
Heavyweight Dillian Whyte outpointed Dave Allen in a lacklustre affair, neither man impressing much. A lot of the action was laboured, and both were caught clean, but it was Whyte’s higher work rate that saw him through.
Luke Campbell rose from an early knockdown to outpoint Argenis Mendez in a cagey lightweight affair which will see the Hull native soar up the rankings.
Tyrone Nurse also had to get up off the deck to retain his British super-lightweight title on the cards against the impossibly brave Tommy Coyle in an entertaining scrap.
Gamal Yafai boxed with composure to retain his Commonwealth super-bantamweight crown, earning a comfortable decision over Josh Wale.
