Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Walsh praises brothers' influence

Liam Richards takes another salvo from Ryan Walsh "Iron" Ryan Walsh inflicted just a second professional defeat on Liam Richards, with Walsh extending his unbeaten record.
Ryan Walsh says he has the best corner-team possible since brothers Liam and Michael joined trainer Graham Everett.

The 25-year-old fighter from Cromer claimed the English super-bantamweight title with a unanimous points win over Liam Richards at York Hall.

Walsh told BBC Radio Norfolk having family at his side was a big boost.

"We should have done it from the start, it was a massive help, I've got a great trainer, a great cutsman, my brothers, it's the best team I could have."

Ryan's twin Liam recently defended his Commonwealth super-featherweight title, meaning elder brother Michael is now the only one without a belt.

Possessing the most impressive record of the three brothers - having won all-eight of his professional fights by knockout - injury has kept Michael out of the ring over the last year, but Ryan says he has the ability to come back strongly.

"His record speaks for itself, it's just a case of getting over his injury, I reckon April at the latest before he comes back and he'll be fast-tracked, his record's that good.

"He'll only need one warm-up fight to get the rounds in and he'll be back causing trouble for all the little-men," he said.

Walsh has also revealed how Jon Thaxton, the former European lightweight champion from Norwich, has been a huge help to all three siblings.

"Jon's been a big help, he comes down the gym to watch sparring, I've got a lot of time for him.

"When Jon was winning European titles me and Liam were in the gym and it rubbed off on us," he added.


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