Woolridge faces stiff test at Hangar venue

Woolridge (right) and Stoyanov at today’s weigh-in for their 6 rounder

THE ring education continues for wildly popular Black Country southpaw Ryan Woolridge at the Hangar, Wolverhampton tomorrow (Friday).

The 22-year-old goes for his sixth straight win on the BCB bill, with tough Bulgarian Nikola Stoyanov in the opposite corner.

The six rounder represents a decent test for Bloxwich’s Woolridge, trained by former big hitting pro Peter Hickenbottom.

Stoyanov has won two of four and competes at middle. He will provide a good indication of Ryan’s potential.

To date, the young pro has ticked all the boxes. Tall for 11 stone, he’s done everything asked of him to date. A stoppage has yet to come, but he’s dominated contests.

Importantly, Ryan has an army of fans – and it’s easy to see what’s made him such a local box office draw.

The die-hard Walsall fan has a big personality – and then some. He’s a humorous individual, but deadly serious between the ropes.

He’s also grounded: There’s no boasts about being a future champ – Ryan’s at pains to point out he’s an apprentice still learning the business. That’s refreshing.

He said: “Stoyanov’s a good step-up, by the looks of it – a sturdy, tough test. Hopefully, I can slow him down to the body.

“For me, it’s 10 fights minimum before I look at a Midlands title fight, I want to do it properly.

“I know times are changing, but I want the old school approach - learning properly before rushing into something. Hopefully, the fans will continue to come in tomorrow, with a quick turnaround.

“I’m still getting 90 coming with more tickets to go out this evening. That tells me they’re not getting bored yet.”

Woolridge, an electrician by day, is a genuine nice individual who deserves success.

He’s been well schooled by Hickenbottom and could prove one of the Midlands’ surprise packages.

I feel we’ll know a lot more about him as a fighter when the dust settles at the Hangar.