Joel Ryan looks to build on shock win

Walsall's Joel Ryan insists he has the confidence to kick on in his boxing career as he prepares for another run-out away from home.

The 21-year-old is in action at Bedworth Civic Hall tonight in a eight-rounder against Birmingham journeyman Jason Nesbitt, having been originally due to face Shane Normoyle on the bill.

It's Ryan's first fight since stunning Midlands welterweight champion Sean McKervey in the same arena six months ago and just his fifth bout since turning pro in 2009.

A relative novice coming into battle on the back of a loss, the Walsall Wood amateur floored McKervey before taking a convincing points decision.

Tonight, Ryan will be back in the ring on the ground of that famous win and has vowed to show he has what it takes to walk the walk.

He said: "I am not a cocky fighter, my trainers have a go at me because I think I am just average, but I train with the best and hold my own.

"I know what the problem is, it's in my own head and I have got the confidence now to know what to do.

"I just want to get back in there, keep improving and get the win to keep pushing me on. I was over the moon after my last fight, I couldn't believe it.

"But, to be honest, the better the lad I am in there with, the better I do."

Of Ryan's rivals, Normoyle has retired while McKervey, due to defend his crown against James Flinn tonight, was ruled out after picking up a deep cut in training.

The champion would be keen to avenge his defeat, given the chance, possibly with the belt up-for-grabs but Ryan believes it's some way off.

He said: "It's about experience, at the minute, it's only my fifth fight and I want to get the rounds under my belt.

"When I get the chance to fight for a title, I want to be able to keep it."

Fellow Walsall fighters Steve Gethin and Delroy Spencer are also in action on tonight's card at Bedworth Civic Hall.

Gethin is down a super featherweight contest against hot prospect Troy James while evergreen veteran Spencer, now 43, is down for a rematch at super bantamweight against the returning Dougie Walton.

The two first clashed at Birmingham's Burlington Hotel in October 2007, with Walton a points winner.