Tommy 'the Governor' Hyde puts on a show in front of his home fans with an early knockout victory

Cork professional boxer Tommy 'the Governor' Hyde moved to 14-0 when he fought Mexican fighter Paul Valenzuela and won by knocking his opponent out early in the second round in a NOWHERE2HYDE Promotion event at the GUC Parochial Arena last Saturday night.

This was Hyde’s fourth fight this year when he defeated Patrick Allotey in Boston last September, Marcos Rodrigues in Spain last June and Anuary Mlawa in Australia last April.

This fight was scheduled for eight rounds, however, Hyde put in a masterclass and he will move onto bigger fights next year.

Tommy started the opening round boxing behind his left jab, however, his opponent Valenzuela was a very tricky fighter. 

He caught the Mexican with a powerful right that had him on the back foot and finished the round with some good combinations to the head and body that would have caught the judge’s eyes.

Again Hyde was doing some good working behind his left jab, however, he had the Mexican in trouble early in the round with a powerful right to the head. 

He followed that up with a flurry of shots that had the Mexican on the canvas and he never made the count with the referee stopping the fight.

This was a statement win for Hyde who admitted after the fight that he was under enormous pressure this week, however, he definitely didn’t show any nerves, as he put in the most devastating performance of his career to date. 

This fight was scheduled to go eight rounds, but Hyde got the Mexican out of there early, that will surely bring attention to his rivals. 

This was Tommy’s last fight at eight rounds, as next year he will be fighting ten round and fighting for titles.

“I’m so happy with my performance tonight, as I knew before hand that I was fighting a quality opponent and he wasn’t making the long journey to Cork just to make up the numbers,” Tommy said afterwards.

“I was very nervous all week and probably put myself under pressure as I didn’t want to leave the Cork public who came out in their numbers to support me down. 

"However, as once the first bell rang I focused on my job in hand and I was delighted to show everyone my improvements from the last time I was fighting in the Hall.

“When I entered the Hall I couldn’t believe the noise and the atmosphere was amazing, as I knew so many people who came out to support me tonight and I’m so great full.

“I knew Patrick was going to be a really difficult opponent as in his last two fights he went the distance with two excellent boxers, so I wasn’t going to anything for granted. 

"Was I surprised that the fight only lasted two rounds?

“Yes, to be honest,” however, I knew if I caught him that I was well capable of finishing the fight. 

"I felt very comfortable in there and even in the first round I knew I could hurt him, but I needed to be careful because in this business if you switch off against any opponent you will get hurt.

“When I caught him with the right to his head early in the second round, I immediately knew he was in trouble and he wasn’t getting up. 

"In that moment my emotions came out from a very stressful week and I can’t wait to go to my bar Hannah Bawn’s to celebrate with my supporters.

“I want to that my trainer Lee Beard for the unbelievable work his put in to me this year. 

"He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, as he is one of the best trainers in the world. 

"His knowledge of the sport is second to none and I hope I will repay him by winning a title and fighting on big cards under the lights going forward.

“Finally, I want to thank my dad (Gary) for making this happen tonight as he had to overcome every obstacle to put this card together and bring a boxing show back to the northside again. 

"He is an unbelievable man to be honest, as he was trying to keep me focused on my fight and try to hide the pressure he was under. 

"I’m so proud of him and to see his face with the rest of my family after the fight filled me with so much pride. 

"This is only the start of big fights in Cork and next year he plans to made these nights bigger and better,” Hyde added.