Ryan Walsh’s discipline will be key against Isaac Lowe
Ryan Walsh lands a right on Marco McCullough during his most recent British title defence. Picture: Alan Stanford/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Alan Stanford/Focus Images Ltd
Ryan Walsh heads north for the fourth defence of his British featherweight title strong in body and, just as importantly, strong of mind.
The Cromer man faces what has now become a grudge match against Isaac Lowe, with the build-up to Saturday's clash in Manchester punctuated with some stinging words from each corner. It's created the sort of atmosphere which could turn the fight into a brawl – but trainer Graham Everett says Walsh is too disciplined to veer away from his tactics.
'It just depends how strong your mind is,' said Everett. 'And I think with the Walsh boys they have very strong minds and you have to be able to switch off from other things.
'Always remember what boxing is, it is controlled aggression, controlled violence, it is the man who possibly keeps his head the best who wins the fight.
'I think Jon Thaxton had a very strong mind and Walshy definitely has – that is one stubborn character. He will get something in his head and that stays.
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'He is not worried about a few words – sticks and stones and all that. At the end of the day he will have every chance to shut his mouth and I think he will be doing that on Saturday night.'
Everett is confident of British defence number four, but knows Lowe, 24, will be bringing his A game. The man from Morecambe has a win over Walsh's most recent opponent, Marco McCullough, and a draw with Dennis Ceylan, who controversially beat Walsh for the European title 18 months ago, on his record.
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Everett said: 'You will get the best Isaac Lowe without a shadow of a doubt, and Ryan wouldn't want it any different – this is his (Lowe's) big chance, this is his big title fight, so like all the others before him you expect the best.
'But Ryan is a very seasoned, experienced campaigner. Before this fight he was very close to getting a big fight with one of the big name fighters but to be honest I don't think they really fancied Ryan.
'But this is where we are, he is defending his British title, he is fiercely proud of being British champion, and so he should be. To be champion of Britain is a fantastic achievement and long may he reign – until he gets a world title shot.'
