Walsh eyes world elite after Paulin
Ryan Walsh is ready to step up and take on the world class fighters in his weight division – provided he successfully defends his British featherweight title against Lewis Paulin on Friday.
Walsh (23-2-2, 11 KOs) puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Paulin (12-0, 3 KOs) as part of a huge #MTKFightNight at York Hall in London, live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and also on iFL TV.
Reigning champion Walsh is proud to once again be involved in a British title fight, but has big ambitions for the future following his clash with Paulin.
Walsh said in a statement: “I’m one of the longest reigning British champions and I don’t think this will be done again in my lifetime. It’s a unique position and I’m proud to have this title. I will never vacate it, and I’d have to be beaten for me to ever lose it.
“This will be my sixth time defending my title, and hopefully a win here pushes me in the right direction towards a bigger fight. I’d love the European title as I feel it’s a shot I rightfully deserve, or it could even be a final eliminator for a world title or a world title itself next.
“I’m willing to fight anyone at a drop of a hat. I’ve got Lewis Paulin in front of me and my eyes are firmly on him, but who knows what a victory can lead to. There are three featherweight world champions based in America, so it’s great my fight is broadcast over there.
“It means I can sell myself to the American audience so it’s a great incentive. Job one is defeat Lewis Paulin, and job two is show the American fans that there is a willing fighter who wants to challenge their champions.”
Along with Walsh’s British featherweight title defense against Paulin, there is a battle between Ohara Davies and former world champion Miguel Vazquez on the bill.
There is also a Southern Area super-lightweight title eliminator between unbeaten rivals Daniel Egbunike and Martin McDonagh plus Swedish hero Anthony Yigit facing London-based Siar Ozgul.
The unbeaten quartet of Donovan Mortlock, Sam Gilley, Bradley Haxell, Jack Ewbank and Quaise Khademi make up the rest of the packed undercard.
