Ryan turns pro

The 25-year-old sets out on a road which hopefully will lead to a shot at an Irish title inside the next 18 months.

Ryan is on the Team Alio’s promotion at the Holiday Inn in Belfast on May 8.

Formerly trained by Albert Uprichard at Laurencetown Ryan fought out of the Dockers Club in Belfast in his amateur days.

Now he has made the move to the professional game he has been taken under the wing of Damien Denny.

A former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Damien, during an eight year professional career, was Irish champion five times, winning 19 of his 23 pro fights.

And along with former World Champion Barry McGuigan he helped train actor Daniel Day Lewis for his role in the film ‘The Boxer’.

Having been contacted by Ryan’s father, Anthony, Damien has been training the light middleweight for a number of weeks.

“Ryan is raring to go,” said Damien. “Anthony approached me about training Ryan and I saw his potential. He has punching power in abundance and he will more fights by knock outs rather than points.

“He is 25 so we need to act quickly and get him some experience. If we can get him the fights then he could have a shot at an Irish title in around 18 months.”

Already Ryan has sold around 200 tickets for the fight and a couple of coachload of supporters will be backing him.

Tickets are available from Anthony Greene’s shop in Teghnevan or for more information ring 07748 753 437.