Boxing: Hayland fight is '˜vital' test of Warrington's world title credentials '“ Hearn

Warrington will make another defence of his WBC International Featherweight title against Ireland’s Patrick Hyland – a Manchester United fan – at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday, July 30, live on Sky Sports.

The fight will present the third defence of the belt Warrington won in April 2015, with Hyland following Joel Brunker and Hisashi Amagasa into the noisy fortress in Leeds.

And Hearn says a 24th victory of a 24-fight pro career is of paramount importance to Warrington amid continued talk of a possible world title shot.

The possibility of Warrington fighting Welsh IBF world champion Lee Selby immediately after the Amagasa victory had been suggested by Hearn, but before any world title bout the Leeds featherweight must see off Hyland who has already tasted action at the elite level.

Hyland, 32, enters the clash on the back of his April challenge against WBC champion Gary Russell Jr in Connecticut. Russell Jr has lost just once – to WBO champion Vasyl Lomachenko in California last June – and saw off Hyland with a second round knockdown in Connecticut in April.

But Hyland himself has suffered just two defeats in a 31-fight career and Hearn says the July fight against ‘The Punisher’ will prove a key test for Warrington ahead of a potential bid to conquer the world.

“Warrington versus Hyland is a fight that we’ve looked to make in the past and it’s a real crossroads clash,” said Hearn.

“Patrick has only had two defeats both in World title challenges, while Josh is set for his first shot at a World crown later this year – victory for both men on July 30 is vital.”

Hyland – who has quickly taken to social media to thank Hearn for organising the fight – is a Manchester United fan.

Warrington is built up a legion of support through his Leeds United fan-base links but Hyland says he will not be wearing a Manchester United shirt into First Direct Arena.

Hyland Tweeted: “People asking am I wearing MUFC top in fight with @J_Warrington in Leeds. NO My dad was a big LUFC fan and said he’d slap me if I ever did. I’ll fight in @ManUtd colours but @Shamrock Rovers top into ring Really like to thank all involved who made this fight happen.”

Tickets for Warrington’s latest assignment are now on sale, with Hearn keen to stress that the Leeds man’s fight will be the highlight of a mouth-watering night of boxing as a whole.

Warrington will be looking to justify headline status on a bill that also includes Tyrone Nurse v Tommy Coyle, Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, Sam Eggington, Frankie Gavin, Ryan Burnett and Gamal Yafai.

Hearn added: “Their battle tops a great bill with Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse and Hull’s Tommy Coyle meeting in a mouth-watering Yorkshire classic for Tyrone’s British Super-Lightweight title.

“Tommy’s local rival Luke Campbell MBE is back in title action, Gamal Yafai defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight strap against Yorkshireman Josh Wale, and there’s a host of classy fighters in action including one of the world’s top prospects in Ryan Burnett and hard-hitting Brixton Heavyweight Dillian Whyte.”

Tickets - priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 - are available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com.