*Kiko says he won’t make the same mistakes as Hyland
EMOTIONS ran high in UL Arena as Willie Casey became the first Munster man to lift the European Title in a record number of fights.
He also became the first Irish man ever to stop 25 year-old Paul Hyland at any level.
At the post-fight press conference in UL arena on the gathered Dublin media were astounded by the sheer power of the Big Bang.
“I knew he was good but not this good.
“In all me years in the game I’ve never seen such ferocity,” said one haggered Jackeen.
He wasn’t the only one who was taken aback by Willie Casey.
A nervous looking Kiko Martinez entered the press conference looking like he had just gone four rounds with the Southill man.
Any concerns about security in the lead up to the title fight in UL were unfounded as Casey’s strong following showed their voice.
The intense atmosphere in the arena was manifested by a wave emotion unrivalled at any event ever held in the venue.
Noise levels were so high when Willie was led out that it drowned out the Limerick City Pipe Band.
As the Arena reached fever pitch the first round did not disappoint as the defensive Dubliner went on the offensive.
Willie was ready and the two went toe to toe for the first three rounds.
Although Hyland edged the first, by the end of round three it was clear that Willie Casey was more equipped for this type of battle.
From the bell in the fourth he used his strength and momentum to push Hyland onto the ropes.
Willie smelled blood and the Dubliner had no response, the swelling support could sense the Big Bang.
With the crowd behind him he pummelled his opponent until referee John Keane called a halt to proceedings.
The crowd erupted and Casey’s family rushed into the ring to congratulate the man who is now Southill’s most famous son.
Willie will now defend his new European Super Bantam Weight title against Kiko Martinez who recently relinquished the title.
The Spaniard said he won’t make the same mistakes as defeated Dubliner Paulie Hyland.
“As Paulie’s trainer said he fought the wrong fight and this is something I won’t do, plus I’m not Paul I have more power”.
Gracious in victory Willie thanked Paul for the fight and said that he will meet him again and he also thanked Martinez for relinquishing the title.
However, now that he has his grip on the belt he stated that he has absolutely no intention of letting go of it.
