Cromer's Ryan Walsh will be more than an interested spectator when Josh Warrington and Dennis Ceylan clash in the IBF Featherweight Final Eliminator later this month.
Twelve months ago, contesting the vacant EBU strap, British 9st champion Walsh conceded a highly contentious 12-round split decision to the unbeaten Ceylan in Denmark – despite carpeting the Dane in the opening session.
Walsh – world rated by both the WBC (8) and WBO (15) – gave his assessment of the two principals.
'In the build up, Ceylan was very relaxed and respectful, didn't give it the 'big 'un'. Then, on fight night, he started out quite aggressive – fast and long – until I knocked him on his backside. He thought he'd just steam out and 'do' me. Suicide! After that, I believe his corner advised him to keep away.
'Ceylan's supposed to have great amateur pedigree – an ex Olympian and WSB fighter. His speed was okay but he didn't show any of that pedigree against me, not after I hurt him. He had a weird style, fought out of a hunch. He's certainly no Mikkel Kessler though he has quite a similar style.
'We knew beforehand if I didn't knock him out I couldn't win over there. I scored a genuine knockdown when I hit his chest – part of the scoring target – but nothing given. Another time, the ref virtually held Dennis up when I wobbled him. You could tell that he knew once he got to the final bell, he'd be given the verdict. He'll not enjoy those luxuries in Leeds.
'At the time, I thought Ceylan was real tough; very stubborn and steely. He also looked good against Isaac Lowe (a four-round technical draw, five months later).
'I think the styles of Warrington and Ceylan should mesh well and it'll be a competitive fight. I expect Ceylan to offer plenty of resistance early on, but he lacks experience. He's not been in with many top fighters. I'm easily the best he's fought.
'Warrington is very fit and big at the weight. He's got good energy and does that grab and 'crab' thing, similar to Ricky Burns. He throws a few then falls in and clings. Warrington will win a points decision then move on to (Lee) Selby.'
On the same bill, on October 21, Lowesoft's Craig Poxton's faces undefeated Midlands Area super-featherweight champion Lyon Woodstock.
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