Norfolk boxer Ryan Walsh is back in the title mix following an impressive knockout victory over Reece Mould.
Walsh stopped Mould in the first round of their bout in Sheffield on Friday and is now the WBA Continental Europa lightweight belt holder.
The 38-year-old from Cromer is one the longest reigning British featherweight champions ever, having held the title from 2015 to 2020.
“I’m the president and CEO of the ‘Who needs him?’ club,” he said.
“But when you’ve got a title, someone will want it. It’s a ranking and it gives me the opportunity to fight for a world title.”
‘I can’t wait to get my hands on you’
Walsh is part of a boxing brotherhood.
His twin brother Liam was a former British and Commonwealth super-featherweight title holder and challenged for a world crown in 2017, while older sibling Michael had an unbeaten record of 14 wins with 13 knockouts to his name.
Following his win against Mould, Walsh celebrated with his arms outstretched and told BBC Radio Norfolk that it was a tribute to his brother Liam.
“My brother Liam did that celebration before and I think it’s a moment thing,” he said.
“After I’d taken the moment to really soak it in and enjoy it, I was saying to Liam ‘a lion doesn’t celebrate when it catches its prey’ and that’s what I felt like the second he (Mould) was walking to that ring.”
The two boxers traded personal insults at the weigh-in before the fight, so there was an added friction to proceedings.
Walsh continued: “I was just excited. I told him (Mould) the day before: ‘I can’t wait to get my hands on you’. I was genuinely really happy to put my hands on him after the things he’d said.”
Walsh, known as ‘Iron’ Ryan, said he is ready to step up to a bigger stage and possibly compete in the current home of big-money prizefights, Saudi Arabia.
“If the money stops tomorrow and we don’t need it any more, I’m still in the gym, I’m still hoping someone wants to fight me,” he added.
“It’s never been because of the financial gains why I love this and that’s why I’ve had the longevity that I’ve had.
“Although, it is nice if you can have a few bonuses as I’m only going to spend it on a few holidays with the kids and my girlfriend,” Walsh said.
“[The win over Mould] was definitely up there with one of the best moments and best memories, this ‘Riyadh season’ can stretch that financially and for the moments.”
‘He’s my boxing dad’
Walsh and both his brothers’ careers have been guided by trainer Graham Everett at his Probox gym in Norwich.
Everett was part of former world heavyweight champion Herbie Hide’s team and has had domestic success with Sam Sexton and Jonathan Thaxton.
Walsh said he owed Everett so much.
“I just wish everyone could see my team’s face (after the win against Mould), you had Joe Everett, Steve Potter and Graham especially,” said Walsh.
“I wanted them to enjoy it and Graham’s face will live with me forever, that’s the highlight of my career in boxing so far.
“I’ve seen him happy before, I’ve seen him jump in the ring and jump around, but he’s my boxing dad and seeing the people you love being so proud is the best thing.”
Everett said there was still more to come from Walsh as he aims to win a second British title in a potential contest with current lightweight champion Sam Noakes.
“His reflexes are still there, which are very sharp,” said Everett.
“He’s probably more powerful than he’s ever been because he’s now settled down nicely at lightweight and he’s a very underrated puncher anyway.
“He can hit and he’s a danger to anybody.”
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