Due to appear on the VIP Promotions ‘This Means War’ card at Manchester’s Bowler’s Arena on September 22, prospect Matthew Ryan has earned some high praise as he prepares for his second pro outing. With almost 70 boxers under his wing, promoter Steve Wood sees plenty of young fighters throwing leather, but in Ryan, 21, he has absolutely no doubts in placing him in the ‘one to watch’ category.
“I was ringside for Matthew’s debut in February,” explained Wood, “and he really stood out for me on the night. He was in with a real veteran in Billy Smith, who knows all the tricks, but Matthew boxed very well and looked really accomplished. Of course, it’s early days and he has to work hard and keep learning but I really do believe he can go a long way, and become a real fan favourite at the same time.”
Headlined by Manchester’s unbeaten Terry Flannigan defending his English super-featherweight title against Coventry’s Troy ‘Terrifying’ James, ‘This Means War’ offers Matthew the chance to write the next chapter as he pursues his boxing dreams – and the fighter from Middleton, Lancashire cannot wait to step through the ropes.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and want to put on another good performance,” stated Matthew, a former Senior ABA quarter-finalist. “This will be a really great show, there are some good boxers on the card and the main fight looks like it’s going to be really exciting.
“As a youngster, my favourite fighters were boxers like Muhammad Ali, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Robinson; all great boxers with a good reach on them, who all used the ring well. They’re who I base my style on; I try to use my reach and the ring to make fights easier for myself.
“It’s just the beginning for me, but ultimately I want to achieve everything I dream about; becoming world champion, doing everybody proud, and going down as one of the best British boxers. I also want to make a good life for myself and my family.”
“This is the first VIP Promotions show this season, and we’re hitting the ground running,” continued Wood. “The bill topper is going to be a real war and I know that Terry Flannigan is absolutely determined to keep hold of his belt and move onto bigger things. We’ve also worked hard on putting together some really good supporting fights too, and the fans will definitely be heading home happy after this show.”
Appearing alongside Matthew on ‘This Means War’ will be a batch of ‘up and comers’ from across the North West and beyond, including Liverpool cruiserweight Louis Cuddy; Manchester prospects Jimmy Kelly and Ryan ‘Dangerous’ Doyle; Manchester-American Adrian Gonzales; Wales’ undefeated Mark Evans, and debutants Callum Cook and Jack Catterall. Also appearing will be Ashton under Lyne’s Jon Kays who has won 14 from 17 and was in a real war last year in a losing attempt at the Commonwealth super-featherweight title against Cromer’s Liam Walsh.
‘This Means War’ will be at the Bowler’s Arena on September 22. Tickets, priced at £30 (General) and £50 (Ringside), are available from all boxers or at www.vipbe.co.uk
Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv
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