Paul Ryan had all the momentum in the world behind him ahead of his face-off with Fabrizio Rubino in April.
Undefeated in his professional career, the Dubliner was on a winning-streak of six before facing the experienced German โ but within less than 30 seconds, his streak was over.
Seven months have passed since his first pro defeat, and Ryan finally returns to action in Liverpool tonight as he takes on Belarusโ Dzmitry Atrokhau. He’s back in the city where he suffered defeat last time out. Tonight is all about redemption.
Speaking ahead of the bout, he said: โIโm really excited to get back in the ring. Itโs been a long time, coming off my first loss.
“Itโs a different kind of perspective now going in the ring this time around. What Iโm really looking forward to is going in and righting the wrongs and showcasing what Iโve got.
โThe result isnโt a big thing – thatโs gonna come. Itโs about showing everyone how good I am, how good everyone knows I am.โ
Having taken on a new promoter ahead of his last outing, Ryan is now looking to repay the faith that has been shown in him.
The 25-year-old also hinted at a potential return to Liverpool in December should tonight go well, as he looks to relaunch his form.
โItโs all about performance now,โ he said. โI canโt afford to underperform.
โWe need to show how good we are now, that Iโm worth the investment that Steve [promoter] has given me, the time heโs put into me. Itโs time to deliver all the goods now.
โThereโs been talk of another card in December, so hopefully this all goes smoothly, and we can go again with a nice quick turnaround. That will keep me going into the new year, where we can step up the level.โ
Ryan will once again be entering the ring with a much more experienced opponent in Atrokhau, but his focus will firmly be on himself.
His ambitions to be at the forefront of Irish boxing remain strong, as the scene looks forward to an exciting 2025.
He said: โI never watch the opponent. I donโt want to watch one bit of them. I want to focus on what I do good, I let them focus on themselves.
โIt could be the start of a real bit of momentum, a snowball effect.
โKnock this one out, get the next one knocked out and just keep going and its going to get bigger and bigger every time.โ
Ryanโs fight with Atrokhau is on the Khan-Edo card tonight at the Liverpool Olympia, live on DAZN boxing.
