By Elliot Foster
Ryan Walsh is set to return to the ring in the New Year.
The Cromer featherweight (19-1-1, 8 KOs), who is the brother of British and Commonwealth super featherweight champion Liam, will make the first defence of his Lonsdale belt, live and exclusive on BoxNation.
Walsh, 29, will face a challenger to be confirmed as he headlines promoter Frank Warren’s first show of the year on January 22 at York Hall, Bethnal Green.
“I’m ready for a big 2016,” said Walsh, who outpointed Samir Mouneimne to win the crown in September, “and ultimately by the end of the year I’d like to have the British title as my own.
“I’m starting the year nice and early with my first title defence so I’m sacrificing Christmas ––and everyone knows how much I love my Christmas dinner –– to train and make sure I keep hold of my title, so I’ll be starving hungry come fight night to keep hold of my title.
“Obviously other title opportunities may present themselves during the year and I’d love to get hold of the Commonwealth belt as well and we can create another bit of history by being the first twins to hold the British and Commonwealth belts at the same time.
“I’d also love to go for the European title which would be a dream to win.”
Walsh has been inactive over recent times and will hope that a victory next month will lead to him getting out more often and being able to add to his 21-fight record.
When discussing his rivals, he said: “The featherweight division is great domestically and there are some good fighters in there. I believe that I could beat the likes of Josh Warrington now, I’d love to get revenge over Lee Selby one day as he’s got the one victory over me and I want to reverse that.
“Right now I’m concentrating on retaining my title and once I know the identity of my challenger he’ll be my prime focus.”
Top talents Mitchell Smith, Lewis Pettitt, Ahmet Patterson and many more will feature on the undercard. There is an appearance for Ediz Hussein, who competes in a six rounder. Completing the undercard are West Ham super welterweight Sam McNess, Chelmsford super middleweight Billy Long, Chingford lightweight Archie Sharp, West Ham super lightweight Ben Smith and Sidcup super featherweight DP Carr.
Tickets, priced at £40 and £60, are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 0844 844 0444.
Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz
