Newcomer Whelan’s from a fighting clan

Ryan Whelan…makes his long awaited debut on Saturday night

THE Holts – one of Birmingham’s most famous boxing families – has a new pro among their ranks.

Super-middle Ryan Whelan makes his paid bow on Tommy Owens’ show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on Saturday night. Darryl Sharp, a veteran of over 100 contests, will be in the opposite corner for the four rounder.

Whelan, aged 25, is managed by Jon Pegg and his training regime has been split between the team at Eastside gym and his uncle Mark Holt, stalwart of Nechells ABC.

He certainly has an impeccable punching pedigree. Uncle Mark was a fine pro, cousin Paul Holt is also a talented professional who captured a Midlands title, grandfather Derek and his brother, Ernie, were the driving forces behind the Nechells gym.

Ryan said: “I had over 50 fights for Nechells. I didn’t achieve that much, ended up with an even record, but I boxed very regularly.

Poster for Ryan’s fight at the Holiday Inn

“When Covid hit, I was sitting, waiting for fights and thought it was the best time (to turn pro). In later years, I didn’t want to regret not doing it.

“I feel the style of the pros is more to my liking. In the amateurs, it was tippy-tappy punches. The longer rounds will suit me – I was always a slow starter in the amateurs.

“I think I can bang a bit – we’ll find out on Saturday night, but it was more my stamina and resilience that was a factor in the amateurs.”

Of his debut, Ryan, who works in security during the day, said: “There’s no nerves as yet, I’m quite calm, although they may kick-in on the night.

“Twice last year I was supposed to make my debut but the fights fell through. The first time the Queen died.

“So it’s third time lucky.”