Ryan Whitehead has no fears of having a mountain to climb when he goes for the Midlands super middleweight title.
His first title opportunity, as a pro, comes at Dudley Town Hall, on the Saturday evening of June 10, as part of a show hosted by BCB Promotions.
Whitehead, from Telford, co-challenges over 10 rounds with Brummie Jarrett Doherty, for a belt that hasn’t been contested in four years.
The undefeated 29-year-old gets his opportunity at 4-0, having completed a six-rounder in March when he outpointed Dwain ‘Cheeky’ Grant, through a 60-54 whitewash score-line.
Whitehead has additionally beaten Kearon Thomas and Genadij Krajevskij in four-round action, having his hand raised through a 40-36 landslide decision, at the final bell.
A maiden pro TKO came when he removed Steve Davies in three, upon returning to the ring after two-and-a-half years out, due to the pandemic.
His amateur career saw him rack up 11 victories from 21 unpaid bouts, representing the Telford and Donnington Boxing Clubs.
It was for the latter where he was coached by Tristan Davies, who has continued to lead him in the pro ranks, with Whitehead also working with others as a personal trainer.
He said: “In my last performance, I never really had to get out of first gear, so I made it as hard as it needed to be. My opponent was a pot-shot counter-puncher, so I had to be careful.
“As soon as I got the six-rounder out of the way, I wanted a Midlands title shot. Jarrett (Doherty) was looking for an opportunity, so it’s an easy fit.
“I’ve sparred with him on a couple of occasions. The first time was years ago, before I’d even become an amateur, so I was a novice. I went over to his gym with Tony Jones (ex-pro).
“We did a few more rounds last year, at BCB (gym, Wednesbury), and that was a bit tastier, put it that way. You can’t take too much from sparring, but it should be an interesting fight.
“I know a lot about him and how he operates, because I keep up with what’s going on in my division. He’s a box-and-move sort of fighter, whereas I like to be the dominant force.
“I’ve trained like an absolute animal for this. I did eight rounds, in my first spar back, and I’ve gone in with lads like Tyler Denny (English middleweight champion) and River Wilson-Bent.
“I’m on my game, I know how fit I am and I’m more than ready to take this opportunity. I believe that I can do anything. That’s how I think.
“I wanted to climb Snowdon, with my son (Noah, aged two) on my back and he weighs about 2st, so that’s what I did. In fact, I flew up and down it!
“I feel unbeatable and like I deserve the belt. I’ve sacrificed so much for boxing and this is where I get a reward. I’m not going to let my chance slip.”
Tickets for the bill, which features two Area Title fights, are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
