Hyde facing his biggest bout yet
CRUISERWEIGHT TARGETING TITLE WIN OVER JUMAH
SAM Hyde faces the biggest fight of his career as he sets his sights on a British title shot – and redemption – later this year.
The Sale cruiserweight meets undefeated Deion Jumah for his English title at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre in Wythenshawe on Sunday.
Victory in what is also a final eliminator for the British title would set up a rematch with the Richard Riakporhe, who holds the Lonsdale Belt.
Hyde was ahead of points in his first fight with Riakporhe in 2018 when he suffered an horrific eye injury which forced the referee to stop what was a WBA intercontinental title fight in the eighth round.
It is the only defeat on Hyde’s 17-fight record, and he has been after revenge ever since.
But before he can step back into the ring with Riakporhe, the 26-yearold has to overcome a tough bout with Jumah, who has won all 12 of his fights and claimed the English title with a stoppage win over Wadi Camacho in September.
“Riakporhe is the fight we want,” said Hyde’s trainer and promoted Joe Gallagher. “Sam is on about it all the time. But we have to deal with Jumah first, and if Sam takes his eye off the ball there will be no rematch.
“This is the biggest fight of his career up to now.”
“Jumah is a very good fighter. He is making lots of noise, he has trained well, and make no doubt he is coming up here to take care of business.
“He wants those big London fights against Riakporhe and Lawrence Okolie.
“If Sam starts the year with this huge win, his name is back in the frame on the British scene. If he wins the British title, then we could see a Manchester derby fight against Jack Massey which would be a big bout at the Arena.
“But we can’t start counting money we haven’t got yet as they say, or claiming titles we haven’t won. We have to stay focussed and win this one.
“Sam is the underdog, but he has a really good camp, he has trained well and he knows he is going to have to box out of his skin.”
The bout is one of five on the latest of Gallagher’s M22 Promotions shows, including a return to the ring for Hattersley middleweight Marcus Morrison, who last year secured the WBC International Silver crown with a surprise win over Emanuele Blandamura in Rome.
Chorley’s Mark Jeffers faces Ben Thomas for the Central Area supermiddleweight title, while Middleton’s unbeaten welterweight Connor Lynch is also on the bill.
Doors open at 12.30pm, with the first bout at 1.30pm. Tickets are priced £15 for children and £35 for adults.