Introducing Paul Ryan – ‘I’m going to bring some much need spice to the Irish pro scene’
Paul Ryan is ready to spice things up and is promising to bring some ‘much needed sauce to the Irish pro scene’.
Not quite part of the numerous 2020 vest ditchers, Ryan revealed he was making the move into the pro ranks in November.
The former Bay City and Mulhuddart amateur relocated to America where he is currently based.
The World Junior bronze and European Schoolboy silver medal winner’s debut has been put on the long finger due to the current pandemic, but he has promised to bring excitement once he does punch for pay.
The 20-year-old is predicting a knockout career.
“The fans can expect KO’s from me in a good fashion. I’m going bring some needed sauce to the Irish pro boxing scene,” Ryan boldly told Irish-boxing.com before revealing his road map.
“Short term I just want fights. I’ve settled into the pro style now. I’ve been out in Boston flat out so I’m accustomed to it, so first it’s about racking up the fights. After that my long term goal is a world title and there’s no doubt about it I’ll be getting one in the future.”
Despite proving an underage amateur standout, Ryan never had long term amateur goals.
The professional game always appealed and he admits from the age of 17 he had his sights set on the paid ranks.
“It’s a cliché but my goal was never the Olympics it was pro boxing and to win a world title.
“I knew myself to set myself up for a great pro career I needed a good amateur record to gain interest when I decided to make the switch.
“When I was around 17 I just got fed up with amateur boxing and being on the wrong side of decisions,” he adds before suggesting the High Performance set up isn’t as strong as it once was.
“I was watching the deterioration of the high performance system and IABA, but I knew I needed to develop more so I waiting till I went 20.
After surveying the options the Dubliner signed with Ryan Roach -brother to legendary coach Freddie – of Fight Locker and relocated to America.
The young prospect has also teamed up with coach Hector Bermudez, who trains the likes of Portlaoise’s former world champion TJ Doheny as well as former Patrick Hyland foe Javier Fortuna.
Explaining how the move came about he says: “I was contacted by Ryan Roach he made the introduction with Hector, as soon as we met the chemistry was great so I knew that this was the team for me.”
The Boston Massachusetts based prospect, a three time Irish champ, reveals Ireland was never an option in terms of the pros and explains how he is benefiting from populating American gyms.
“I never looked at Ireland as a real viable option. I knew from a young age America is where stars are made and if you want to do it you gotta be over there training and sparring with world class fighters every day.
” There is a huge difference the training, it’s crazy. Hector has it down to a science he’s amazing, but the big differences I think is the hunger.
“All the boys in the gyms are fighting for their livelihoods and trying to become world champions. The styles of boxing is completely different the Americans have that low crouched pro style instead of the European amateur style.”
Ryan was to debut on April 20 before boxing was cancelled. He now predicts an Autumn bow and is confident he will be kept busy with rumour some big promoters are keen to take a look at him.
“There was talks of an April 20th debut but obviously that got axed. it’s looking like the debut will be around September/October time. As soon as it picks back up we’ve big plans. We’re looking to keep busy and keep developing.”
