Walsh Commits to Continuing Career After Title Bout Defeat

Ryan Walsh, who lost on points to Sam Noakes at Wembley Arena, conceded he was defeated by “one of the best prospects in the country” after his unsuccessful challenge for the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles, but declared his resolve to continue fighting. The boxer from Norfolk suffered a unanimous points decision loss to the reigning champion, Sam Noakes, at Wembley Arena on Saturday night. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old from Cromer stated he has no intention of retiring, asserting: “I’m not done. I don’t want to go out like that.” He remarked: “I learnt tonight that the young pup was a little bit better than I thought he was.” Sam Noakes (right) secured victory via a unanimous points decision. Throughout the 12-round contest, Walsh seldom managed to effectively engage his taller adversary and found Noakes’ potent uppercut particularly challenging. Walsh commented: “One of the best prospect younger fighters in the country just beat one of the better older fighters in the country, I believe.” He added: “There’s no excuses. I think he is a little bit better than I thought. Maybe I thought I could take advantage of certain things, but there were such sporadic spells of punching – and that uppercut.” Liam, Walsh’s twin brother and a former world title contender, was present in Ryan’s corner during the bout. Liam considered it a minor positive from the loss that his brother preserved his record of never being stopped within the distance. Liam stated: “Obviously it wasn’t our intention to come here and not get stopped – we came here in full belief that we could win by knockout.” He continued: “Sam took some good shots to be fair and he was decent, the better man won. I haven’t wanted Ryan to fight for years, but Ryan does what Ryan wants to do.” Ryan, who previously held the British featherweight championship, still harbors aspirations of becoming a two-weight Lonsdale belt recipient. He expressed: “Sam Noakes is a fair bit better than British title level, so when he vacates that belt I want to be considered.” He added: “I hope I am in the conversation, because any other up-and-coming lads at lightweight couldn’t do 12 rounds with me.” Walsh received support from his brothers Liam (fourth from left) and Michael (far left) at Wembley Arena. Graham Everett, Walsh’s trainer and manager, adopted a philosophical view regarding the defeat and suggested that Noakes, 27, possesses the potential to become a world title contender in the future. Everett remarked: “I’m very, very impressed by Noakes. He’s very strong, powerful and sharp with a beautiful jab.” He continued: “We always felt we had a chance, but all in all the better man won.” Everett further stated that the ultimate decision regarding his fighter’s continuation in boxing rests with Walsh himself. He clarified: “Even if he never boxes again, we are still friends and we will still train together with Michael and Liam (Ryan’s brothers).” He concluded: “It’s entirely up to Ryan what he wants to do, but now is not the time to talk about it as he needs a few days off.”