Tommy Hyde improved to 11-0 with eight stoppages following victory over Tanzanian southpaw Anuary Mlawa in Melbourne, Australia.

The 25-year-old Irish super middleweight prospect knocked out the now 8-3 (4 KOs) Mlawa in the first round of eight at The Melbourne Pavilion. 

Hyde had spent three weeks in Australia preparing for his eighth fight on away soil.

“I’m happy with my performance, I landed some good shots, and I felt very strong,” Hyde said. “I’ve been working hard in the gym so, if I can get an early night, I’ll take it every time. I’m getting great sparring in the gym and that’s where I’ll do the majority of my learning. The last three weeks in Australia were one of the best experiences of my life and I met some great people. I got a great reception on my ring walk in front of a very noisy Irish crowd and then we enjoyed celebrating at the after-party, too. I made a lot of new friends in Melbourne and I’m looking forward to coming back to fight here again. 

“This year is going to be a busy year; I’m hoping to fight three more times with a step-up in each fight.” 

Hyde’s father and manager, Gary, said he wants his son to fight three more times this year. 

“His next fight will be in Boston in late June,” said Gary. “The short-term plan is to challenge for a regional title by the end of this year, which will give Tommy a top 10 ranking, and then we keep building and learning. Once he is ranked in the top 10, he will be within striking distance of world title shots, and once the right opportunity arises, we will take it.”