LOCAL boxer Ryan Wheeler is training for his fourth professional fight next month as he hopes to continue his unbeaten record.
The fight on Saturday 14th November will be Ryan’s 60th since he started boxing aged just 12. He will be on the undercard of Trowbridge fighter Nick Blackwell’s second defence of his British title.
Ryan, 22, said, “I’m really looking forward to this one as it will be my 60th fight combined with my amateur contests. I’m expecting a tough fight; any fight I take now will be because we are both stepping into the ring as professional athletes.
“Training is tough and having a strict diet can be hard, but I enjoy being a professional boxer. I often miss out on going places with friends but they are really supportive and understand I need to be training.
“In the last year a lot has changed, and I now train alongside Lee Haskins and occasionally Lee Selby at Bristol Boxing Gym and am managed by Chris Sanigar.”
Ryan, also known as the ‘Somerset Stallion’ fights in the lightweight category (61kg) and has a professional record boasting two wins, one draw and no losses. He quit his job at a supermarket this year to focus on his fighting career.
Ryan continued, “I am currently travelling to Bristol two to three times a week for sparring, and have one-to-one strength and conditioning training with Richard Nicholls at Train Station Gym in Frome.
“I also train with boxing coach Jacob Lucas at Elevation Fitness Academy, and swim and run any chance I get. Sunday mornings I am joined by a few people I train for hill sprints at Frome college fields.
“I made the decision to quit my job at a local supermarket and start training more seriously. I have since started teaching my own training sessions getting people fit and teaching them how to box. It really kicked off and I’m now training myself six or seven days a week, as well as teaching six days a week.
“I have been very lucky to receive sponsorship funds to help with expenses from the Train Station Gym, Connor Construction, DC Gym Wear and Kennedy Electrical.”
Ryan’s fight will be at the British Middleweight Championship event at the City Academy in Bristol on Saturday 14th November.
Tickets are priced from £35 and are available from www.hennessysports.com or 0844 888 4402.
