Woolridge to box at his beloved Bescot

Ryan Woolridge…looking to bag his eighth straight victory

RYAN Woolridge will box for the fourth and final time of the year on December 1 at the home of his beloved Walsall FC, Bescot Stadium.

 The 23-year-old from Bloxwich took his tally as a professional to seven wins from seven when he comfortably outpointed Kristaps Zulgis, 40-36, in Birmingham last month. The Bulgarian, a last minute replacement, had regularly boxed a couple of weight divisions above Woolridge.

 “He had all the ingredients to be tricky,” said Woolridge. “I had seen him box a few times before and knew he was heavy handed, but I stuck to my jab, keeping it in his face constantly, and used my speed advantage. There were nerves as the preparation for this one was hard, I hadn’t been well. Errol (promoter Errol Johnson) had to work really hard to get me an opponent which I was grateful of even if it was only  a four rounder”.

  This fight will see the unbeaten southpaw back up to six rounds and, importantly for the popular ticket selle,r this show will be in his hometown, his first bout here since 2021.

 He said: “It’s the best possible place for me to box. I love Walsall, the stadium is 10 minutes from my house, all my supporters can get here easy, we won’t need coaches and it’s on a Friday night so it will be better for those who buy a ticket as a lot will want to go out after.

“I have got a lot of great sponsors - Taundry Doors, James Evans Financial Services, Direct Access, Smart Factory Solutions, High Home Improvements, Limitless and Plum Logo many of which are also from the town.”

 With Woolridge getting closer to double digit wins, talk of 10 rounders and title shots are starting to circulate. But his team have a solid plan and they won’t be rushed.

 He added: “I only had 20 amateur fights, I did well but I know at this stage it is all about learning and gaining experience. I won’t overlook my next fight but, ideally, I would want another couple and then take that step up when we are ready. Me and my coach Pete (Hickenbottom) work really well together and we will know when the time is right.

 “My year has gone as planned, three good wins with one more to come. Hopefully, I get a big turn out on the 1st and then look ahead to some big fights in 2024”.

 *Tickets for the show at the Bescot Stadium are available now, priced £40 standard and £75 VIP ringside.