Frome’s Ryan Wheeler has won the British Challenge Belt after defeating Paul Holt in Bristol.
Ryan was originally scheduled to fight Jon Martinez of Spain at The Cheese and Grain, Frome, on Friday 2nd March but snowfall from ‘The Beast from the East’ had other plans, causing the bout to be postponed.
Ryan fought new opponent Paul Holt in Ashton Gate, Bristol, on Friday 16th March to clinch the British Challenge Belt, his first professional belt, and carry on his undefeated record.
Talking to the Frome Times Ryan said, “It has been over a week now since the fight and I still haven’t stopped smiling. I’m really happy with my performance. After my Frome fight was cancelled, due to the snow, I struggled to keep focused at first. I had been on such a strict diet, now all I wanted to do is eat lots of food and take a rest from training. But, I regained my focus and got straight back to training for another two weeks before getting back into the ring.
“I was excited about fighting Paul Holt as he was considered to be a level above anyone I had boxed before. I knew it would be a challenge and it certainly was my toughest fight to date. I felt like I was just winning the fight after the first four rounds, then round five and six, Paul came back strong.
“I remember thinking he may have stolen those two rounds, so I needed a big finish in round seven and eight, which I also remember feeling I had dominated.
“Being undefeated defiantly feels me with massive confidence when stepping into the ring, but I still feel I have so much to learn.
“The support speaks for itself. I’ve had so many people congratulate me when walking around town. Everybody is posting about the fight on social media with lots of positive comments, which I would like to thank everyone for.
“I am currently taking a couple of weeks’ rest, although I am already struggling to sit still. I am hoping to return to fight in Frome early this summer for another step up in class and time to see what other Championship belts are available.
“I would like to give a massive thank you to everybody who supported me. Even with all the inconvenience when the fight was postponed, I still received a massive supporting crowd at Ashton Gate. This belt was for Frome.
“Thank you to everyone who makes up The Wheeler Team from training, management team and most importantly my sponsors: Piling Equipment Ltd, Quickprint MSN, Crew barbers, Postlebury Car & Commercial Recovery Ltd, Trainstation Gym, Rodden Road Cars, LAC Carpentry, Steeldoorsales, The Old Bath Arms Frome, Albright & Shiny, Paul Ryman Fitness, Paul Bailes Independent funeral celebrant, R.M.N the complete building service and JOT Flooring.”
If you attended the fight, Ryan has asked that any photos taken from the night are put on social media and Ryan is tagged using his Facebook or Instagram handle @oneryanwheeler.
