Ryan Walsh gets back to winning ways with victory over Ronnie Clark
Former long-reigning British featherweight champion Ryan Walsh (27-3-2, 12KOs) got back to winning ways with a points victory over tough Ronnie Clark (21-7-2, 10KOs), scored at 59-56 by referee Chas Coakley.
Over a year on from his last fight, 35-year-old Walsh from Cromer secured his 27th professional win on December 18 at the nearby Norfolk Showground on a Mervyn Turner promoted event that also saw wins for local fighters Michael Walsh (14-0, 13KOs); Emma Dolan (3-0, 1KO); Joe Steed (8-0); and Connor Vian (13-2-1, 1KO).
Walsh commented on the whole event leading up to the fight, "Well it started from the weigh-in, Ronnie 'The Shark' turned up in a Christmas mankini having traveled down from Scotland in a motor home with two pals!
"On the night it was far more businesslike, giving a solid account of himself. From my point of view, I managed to tick a few more boxes with Ronnie than I perhaps would have with my first scheduled opponent. I have nothing but respect for Ronnie and boxing needs men like him. I was happy that a few things we had worked on were put into effect and it was certainly all the more difficult with the southpaw veteran."
Walsh and Clark actually met once before, way back in 2012, over 10-rounds, which ended in a draw. This time, Walsh went one better, "16 rounds completed with the Dundee man and I’m grateful for every minute of every round. Still yet to meet a Scotsman who isn’t tough and can’t fight – James Ancliff, Darren Traynor and Ronnie Clarke all have my utmost respect. Thank you fellas."
Ryan's last fight ended in a narrow points defeat to Jazza Dickens in the Golden Contract featherweight tournament final in December last year.
After vacating his British featherweight title, he now plans to challenge for the lightweight version of the Lonsdale belt inn 2022. He has put his name forward to the board to fight for the vacant belt already.
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