Ryan gets first inside distance win as pro

Woolridge has Shaw reeling. Pic: MSN Images/BCB Promotions

PRIDE of Bloxwich Ryan Woolridge got his first career stoppage with a devastating two-round blowout of Martin Shaw at the Bescot Stadium on the BCB’s Saturday ‘Rising Stars’ show, writes Paul Webb.

Taking the main event slot at his beloved Walsall FC, the 23-year-old southpaw made a confident start, switching between body and head, using his jab to keep Shaw at a distance.

Most of Woolridge’s previous eight opponents showed very little offensive ambition, focusing on tucking up and staying out of harm’s way, but not Rotherham’s Shaw. He always comes to fight and he did his best to fire back and try to get inside the taller man.

This style suited Woolridge, who was landing some crisp straight left hands in the second round, which forced Shaw to try and hold and slow the pace down, but to no avail.

When the finish came, it was emphatic. Woolridge manoeuvred Shaw against the ropes and unloaded a lethal combination of nine unanswered punches. The last one saw Shaw slump through the ropes and on to the side of the ring apron.

Referee Peter McCormack immediately waived off the fight, and the medics administered aid to the stricken Shaw. Fortunately, he was soon up on his feet and received warm applause from the crowd. The official time of the stoppage was 1.32 of round two.

Now unbeaten in nine and with talks of a big fight next. Woolridge was pleased with his performance and is looking ahead to a big 2024.

“I was happy with that. It is what we train to do, everything in motion. I have had some top sparring and training has gone well. It has been a tough camp with a lot going on outside the ring, so it felt good to get the win in that way.

“I want to keep learning and see what comes next. I’ll speak to my team and Errol Johnson and stay active and see what comes next.”