Ryan Woolridge ramps up his training in preparation for his first eight-rounder
Boxers can often be impatient and in a hurry. Ryan Woolridge (10-0) has shown a willingness to be patient and go through the levels, and he will tick off another milestone on Saturday, November 16th, as he boxes over eight rounds for the first time.
The 24-year-old from Bloxwich is back headlining at the Bescot Stadium home of his beloved Walsall FC on BCB Promotions ‘Unleashed’ and is stepping up the intensity in training for this latest challenge.
“The main thing is about ramping it up bit by bit, said Woolridge. I know I need to be that bit better and do that bit more for this one. I’ve gone from running five miles in the morning to seven miles; the longer distance suits my boxing style, so I know at this stage I have to be up to sixth gear and make the best version of myself.”
Away from the early morning miles and a busy job as an electrician, Woolridge trains at Great Wyrley ABC alongside coach Pete Hickenbottom. The duo have been together from the start and have built up a close friendship and understanding.
“We are a little club that goes under the radar, but it’s authentic. I train in a beer cellar; we do it the old-school way. It’s why I look up to the likes of Martin Gethin; I follow his work ethic, and he came up the hard path to achieve what he did. Pete has his formula, and we work one to one. That’s what I love.”
After blowing away Martin Shaw inside two rounds back in February, gaining his first career knockout in the process, a far sterner test followed in the shape of former Cameroonian Olympian Serge Ambomo as the two shared six bruising rounds at the BCEC in Birmingham in June.
“If a stoppage comes, it comes. I would rather get the rounds in, and a late stoppage would actually be better for me than just knocking someone over in a round. Fights like the ones against Serge, someone who is so capable and better than his record, have taught me a lot. He was such a nice guy before the night, and we had a good chat, but then in the ring it was like somebody threw two hand grenades in there.”
The stacked show also features the pro debut of Mia Holland along with heavyweight talent Matty Harris, Jay Jay Tonks, Kristine Shergold, Ashley Pettigrew and Connor Parker.
“Boxing in Birmingham was great, but you can’t beat being back at home with the Walsall fans at my favourite venue. I know 2025 is going to be the year that I take the big opportunities, whether it be for a Midlands title or something else. Whenever it comes, I will be ready,” Woolridge concluded.
Tickets are available now priced at £45 standard and £80 VIP from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
