True Champ

Walsh is a long-reigning British king who shows no fear against young contenders, writes Elliot Worsell

- Elliot Worsell

CROMER featherweight Ryan Walsh, one of Britain’s underrated craftsmen, defends his British featherweight title against unbeaten Lewis Paulin at York Hall, Bethnal Green this Friday ( June 28). MTK Global promote with iFL TV broadcasting in the UK and ESPN+ in the USA.

Much like his gifted brother, Liam, Ryan has flown under the radar for the majority of his 11-year professional career but remains popular among the “Farmy Army”, his loyal Norfolk fanbase, and a well-schooled operator at domestic and European level.

In fact, since losing a British and Commonwealth featherweight title fight against Lee Selby in 2013, Walsh has crushed the hopes of several prospects and contenders and become a very hard man to beat. In 2015, he outscored Samir Mouneimne to win his current title and then stopped Darren Traynor and James Tennyson the following year to retain the belt. Both fights ended in the fifth round and highlighted Walsh’s ability to not only outbox opponents but break them down with spiteful counters and body shots.