Griffiths cruises his professional baptism

Ryan Griffiths…took every round of his four rounder

HOME town favourite Ryan Griffiths made a pleasing debut at Dudley Town Hall last night, taking every round against seasoned Paul Cummings.

The 22-year-old bossed the four rounder from the get-go, working the Warminster veteran’s long body and bringing blood from his nose.

Cummings showed more ambition in the third, but was caught by a cracking left uppercut in the final round.

Griffiths, a convert from the white collar circuit where he lost only two of 22, is a natural lightweight, while Cummings has scaled as heavy as welter.

Ryan, a supermarket manager by day, has a good following and is taking his career step by step.

He said:  “I’ve got a bit of backing and I’ve got myself a few sponsors.”

“Every boxers dream is to fight for a world title, but it’s one step at a time, one fight at a time and see what comes.

“I decided to turn pro after a prize-fighter type tournament. I reached the final and my opponent’s trainer – someone who has been around the pro game – said I was too good for white collar.

“I emailed Black Country Boxing, they invited me down to a training session to take a look and signed me.

“I’d like to think I’ve got the power. Someone who took me on the pads said I hit like a super-middle, not a lightweight.

“I’ve been sparring Liam Davies and Macauley Owen.

“I haven’t figured out exactly what will work for me yet and I think that it’s going to take time for me to develop my own style. That’s all part of the learning process.”