Whelan jabs his way to debut points win

Ryan Whelan….after two false starts, he made his bow at Holiday Inn

NOISY supporters greeted the professional bow of the latest member of the Holt family to punch for pay.

And on Tommy Owens’ dinner show at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn last night (Saturday), Ryan Whelan did not disappoint.

The tall, bearded light-heavy relied almost exclusively on his long, raking jab to outpoint experienced Darryl Sharp over the apprentice four round distance.

I had Whelan – a product of the Holts’ Nechells amateur gym – winning every session, although the official score was 39-37.

Southpaw Sharp, taking part in his 114th bout (seven wins, one draw), had his moments and rattled Whelan’s ribs with right hooks. But his work was sporadic and 25-year-old Whelan invariably regrouped and went back to picking up points behind that broom stave lead.

Whelan, who had a 50 fight amateur career for Nechells, kept it long in the first, although Sharp got through with a slapping right to the body.

By the second, Manchester’s Sharp was bringing his experience into play. He retreated to the ropes and beckoned the newcomer forward in the hope of landing counters.

Whelan refused to take the bait.

Sharp landed his best punch of the night – a booming left – in the third. Whelan took it and by the final session was landing body shots of his own.

After two previous dates for his debut had fallen by the wayside, Ryan made it third time lucky. And he won beyond argument.

Following the victory, Whelan posted on facebook: “We begin as we mean to go on... Proud to say I won on my professional debut tonight, fought a tough durable opponent and it was great experience, especially after four years out the ring.

“To each and every one who purchased a ticket tonight to watch me box, honestly it means the world to me, and I'll appreciate it more than any of you will ever know. Without the support, I wouldn't have been able to do what I've done tonight. I'm aware it wasn't a perfect performance, and we've still got work to do, but this is only the beginning and we will work on what needs working on and be out again this year.

“I'd personally like to thank the team over at Eastside Boxing Gym and Nechells Green Amateur Boxing Club for providing me with the coaching and facilities to train and progress.

“No doubt leading up to this fight there's been struggles along the way - firstly, with the multiple cancellations last year, which delayed getting the pro career going.

“But, secondly, and probably most importantly, the loss of my grandad who had some of the greatest impacts on my life, more so in regards to the boxing.

“His absence today was most definitely felt, but I know you were there in spirit, Grandad. I just hope I made you proud out there tonight, and continue to do so.”