The first time I saw Dave Ryan was when he faced off against Tyrone Nurse for the vacant commonwealth super lightweight title. His record flashed up (15 wins, 8 losses) and I immediately thought it was a mismatch to give Nurse some exposure, I couldn’t have been more wrong as ‘Rocky’ had him down in the 1st and 2nd before winning on points (113/113, 114/113, 114/113).
His first defence should have been against Bradley Saunders but due to injury (I believe) this was postponed and Ryan eventually faced John Wayne Hibbert on the undercard of the Brook/Gavin PPV, another absolute barnstormer that had us all on the edge of our seats as it looked like Ryans reign was over after being put down in the 3rd and the 5th, he knuckled down though and beat Hibbert up until the ref waved it off in the 9th.
Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan is a boxer that other pro’s should look up to and we as fans should appreciate as it would have been so easy to throw in the towel or become that stepping stone that other boxers use for the next level. Lucky for V2boxing Dave has kindly agreed to answer some of our questions so we can get to know a bit more about the man from Derby.
1. What originally got you to start boxing, and where did you start?
My uncle Lee was training down at Merlin youth ABC and I asked if I could join him. I was around 7 at the time and just thought it would be a bit of fun.
2. Do you hold any honours at amateur level (Schoolboy and above) and did you always plan on turning pro?
After a couple of years I knew I wanted to do this professionally and felt It was something I would definitely excel in.
I boxed in the ABAs most years, reaching the semis a number of times. My record was around 40 fights and around 30 wins.
3. What has been the highlight and the lowlight of your career?
Firstly my low point was my second fight with Darren Hamilton, the preparation and the run up to the fight was all wrong. I was still so angry from the first one, he head butted me and all my hard work seemed to be for nothing, yes I got the win, but no true fighter wants to win this way. When I entered the ring there was just a red mist, I’d got all caught up in the social media side of things and fought like I’d never been in a ring before, I just ran at him and swung, needless to say I lost. I was embarrassed at the way I had fought and felt I’d let everyone down. It affected me for a long time after that and I had some really dark days personally after this.
I have to say that it’s a fight I have still not watched to this day.
The highlight of my career has to be without a doubt winning the Commonwealth title live on sky sports. I went in as the underdog as I often do. When I knocked him down in the first 2 rounds and I knew this was my fight this was my time.
4. I read that you had considered quitting at some point, what was the reason for this and what made you change your mind?
When I made the tough decision to resign from boxing it was due to the fact that we as a family needed a regular reliable income. I have a wife and 3 beautiful little girls (twins Jamie-Leigh and Angel-Louise and the little one Tala-silva,) Boxing just wasn’t paying off as I wanted and hoped it would. I took my qualifications and became a lorry driver for Fords Transport. I did this for some time but it just never felt right, my wife was commenting on how I didn’t seem myself anymore and I really missed being in the gym, being fit, being healthy and the buzz you get from fighting, it’s like nothing you can explain.
We knew it would be hard for me to go back but I also knew I had to do it now or it would be too late. I made a decision that was going to leave the transport industry and dedicate myself fully to boxing. That’s when I got my personal trainer Kirk Gibbons and spoke to my manager Clifton Mitchell and he saw a difference in me straight away. You can’t do this career forever and I didn’t want to live life with any regrets.
5. How much pressure do you think is on a boxer nowadays to stay unbeaten and did you think you could achieve the success you have with the record you have?
I definitely think that there is a pressure on boxers to keep their 0. You put a lot on yourself when you keep hearing the words “still unbeaten”.
My losses have without a doubt taught me so much more, not just about boxing but my style and my attitude. It makes you mentally stronger and you just have to SOMETIMES accept they were the better fighter, learn from it and move on.
6. Of your losses were there any you thought you’d won and if so do you think it was held against you due to your record?
Yes there a few fights I believe I won. Not necessarily because of my record but being the away fighter can sometime sway judges/referees decisions especially when the fight has been close.
7. What are your plans for the future? Can you see yourself getting to challenge for world honours or will you stay around for a British title and defending your commonwealth belt?
My plans for the future tend to be left with my management and promotors. Personally I would, of course like to challenge for world honours. But I would also love to fight for a British title I am very proud to be a Brit and that would be an honour. However there are still a lot of domestic fights I want and the light welterweight division at the moment is a great one to be involved in.
8. I also read that you’d like to fight at Pride Park (good choice;) is that an actual possibility or just a pipe dream?
Of course fighting at Pride Park would be amazing, filling a stadium with people all routing for you in a town that you have been brought up in I’m sure is an experience like no other. I can’t see why this wouldn’t be possible, who knows watch this space.
9. What are your own thoughts on your career and how you’ve done?
My career over the last few years has been great I’ve really got my head down and worked hard. Before this there was many ups and downs but like I say now I’m taking this serious.
On paper my record doesn’t look great but I’ve been in with the best in Britain, I’ve never turned fights down, I’ve tried different weights and now I’m comfortable at where I am and only getting stronger and stronger.
10. And finally who could be your next opponent?
There’s no names yet but we could be looking at the winner of Nurse/Jenkins or possibly Saunders.
Thanks a lot to Dave Ryan for his time and for showing everyone that a loss or 2 does not mean the end of a career. You can follow him on Twitter @DaveRockyRyan. And make sure you catch his next fight to be thoroughly entertained. Since the interview it has been announced that Dave will face John Wayne Hibbert, at the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome), Greenwich, London on 12th September, 2015.
