Undefeated Irish light heavyweight prospects Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (5-0, 3 KOs) and Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole (7-0, 5 KOs) are following in the footsteps of their countrymen, stepping out of their native Ireland and across the Atlantic to Boston, aiming to bolster their professional boxing careers.
On August 11th, or the 12th if the weather has its way, both fighters will be stepping into the ring at the “Veterans Stadium Showcase” Pro-Am card. The event, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), is scheduled to take place at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts, just a stone’s throw from Boston.
GCP’s President, Chris Traietti, stated, “This event wouldn’t feel right without an Irish touch. However, I didn’t want just any Irish boxers. I wanted the cream of the crop. Collaborating with these gentlemen has been delightful. Their fanbases are in for a thrilling night come August 11th.”
Both fighters have succeeded in carving out a niche amongst native Irishmen now living stateside and Irish-American boxing fans, much like their predecessors from the Emerald Isle, Steve Collins and Kevin McBride.
Despite the separate six-round matches that Hyde and O’Toole are slated to fight, this could be a tantalizing teaser to a future confrontation between the two Irish light heavyweights. As amateurs, each claimed one victory in two meetings, and they may very well square off again in the professional arena.
The Governor’s Corner
At 24 years of age, Hyde is a three-time Irish National Champion with an impressive amateur record of 80-26. His father, Gary Hyde, is an esteemed international matchmaker, having represented numerous world champions.
In his own words, Hyde shared, “I’m overjoyed to be fighting in Boston again. It feels like home. I have an incredible network of friends and family there that never fail to show their support when I’m in the ring. It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of Collins and McBride, whom I deeply admire.
“In my amateur days in 2019, I had the opportunity to fight in various parts of the world. One memorable experience was an outdoor match in a multinational tournament in Odessa, Ukraine. I’m really excited about the prospect of fighting in a Boston stadium.
“Sharing the stage with O’Toole for the second time won’t likely be the last. A match between us could cause quite a stir in Boston or Ireland down the road. We’re both Irish, so we’re rooting for each other until the day we face off in the ring, just like any other Irish boxers.”
Hyde’s opponent has yet to be announced.
The Kid’s Corner
O’Toole, 25, is a highly touted Irish amateur who earned the top prize in the Haringey Box Cup and Irish Elevate final, the latter being the competition in which he outscored Hyde. O’Toole’s amateur record boasts 51 wins from 60 matches.
“The weather can play a significant role in outdoor matches, especially when it’s hot and humid,” O’Toole noted. “I wouldn’t have been able to prepare for an outdoor fight in the summer if I was still training in Ireland. The weather can seriously sap your energy. I learned this the hard way when I fought outdoors as an amateur in Boston.
“Although Tommy and I have chosen different paths as professionals, they may intersect in the future. I believe Tommy has a promising career ahead of him in the pro ranks. With his father’s support, there’s no limit to how far he can go. He’s suggested that a fight between us could happen if it’s a sensible decision. I concur. We both have large fanbases. It’s bound to be an incredible, fun-filled night.”
O’Toole will be stepping up a weight class to take on Massachusetts cruiserweight champion Scott “Scottie Bombs” Lampert (5-8, 4 KOs) for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) cruiserweight title.
The Showdown
The Quincy event promises an array of captivating matches, including an eight-round main event featuring former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs) and reigning ABF Atlantic super lightweight title holder Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti (9-4, 3 KOs).
In the co-main event, USBF Champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs) will take on Massachusetts titleholder Jamer Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round unification bout.
Along with a series of undercard fights, this night of thrilling boxing will surely put a smile on every Irish face come August 11th in Quincy.
*Please note that the card is subject to change.