LONDON (January 26, 2011) – Islington’s newest boxing star John “Gorilla” Ryder is looking forward to fulfilling a boyhood dream on Saturday 19th February. The Arsenal fan who made the switch to the pro ranks in September last year is relishing at the thought of making his Wembley Arena debut on the undercard of the Lenny Daws vs. Ashley Theophane and John O’Donnell vs. Craig Watson British title double header.
Ryder has been preparing for his 3rd pro fight by sparring Southern Area title challenger Daniel Cadman and training alongside the likes of Darren Barker, Lenny Daws and John O’Donnell .
“Fighting at Wembley is what dreams are made of when you’re a kid, you dream of boxing at these large arenas and to be involved in a show this size and fighting alongside some of the best fighters in Europe so early on in your career, it’s really a dream come true and a real confidence booster, you learn so much.”
“I’m just relishing the chance to get out there and put in to practise all of the hard work from the gym and this will also be my first six rounder.”
I’m hoping to keep on making steady progress and get some rounds under my belt in 2011.” Added Ryder.
This great night of Championship boxing will be headlined by two British title fights, the first title fight of the night will see Morden’s Lenny Daws looking to defend his British Light Welterweight title for a 3rd time and secure the Lonsdale belt outright when he squares up against Paddington’s Ashley Theophane.
The second British title up for grabs on the night will be for the welterweight crown, this will be contested between Shepherd’s Bush resident John O’Donnell and Craig Watson of Manchester. These two last meet back in April 2009 and produced 12 exciting rounds of boxing in which O’Donnell was crowned the new Commonwealth champion.
To add spice to this already great event, Heavyweight Sensation Tyson Fury will be in a 10 round Special Attraction fight, opponent to be confirmed.
Colchester’s Commonwealth title challenger Lee “Lights Out” Purdy will be in back in action defending his Southern Area title against former British title challenger Michael Lomax of Chingford.
Joining these fighters at Wembley will be a host of talented young boxers including Haddenham’s Tornado Tyler Goodjohn, Phill Fury of Lancaster, Chris “Flash” Evangelou of Enfield and his bother Andreas Evangelou who will be making his pro debut.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY 19TH FEB.
Tickets are on sale NOW from the following box offices priced at £100, £75, £40 and £30.
Please note: Family tickets are also available from the Wembley Box Office.
Wembley Arena, 24hr Box Office Call 0844 815 0815
or www.wembleyarena.co.uk
Tiicketline 24hr Box Office call 0844 888 4402 or www.hennessysports.com
FULL FIGHT CARD
**SPECIAL ATTRACTION**
International Heavyweight Contest
10 x 3 min rounds
Tyson Fury vs. TBA
British Light Welterweight title
12 x 3 min rounds
Lenny Daws (Champion) vs. Ashley Theophane
British Welterweight Title
12 x 3 min rounds
John O’Donnell vs. Craig Watson
Southern Area Welterweight Title
10 x 3 min rounds
Lee Purdy vs. Michael Lomax
Middleweight Contest
6 x 3 min rounds
John Ryder vs. TBA
Light Welterweight Contest
6 x 3 min rounds
Tyler Goodjohn vs. TBA
Light Welterweight Contest
4 x 3 min rounds
Chris Evangelou vs. TBA
Light Middleweight Contest
4 x 3 min rounds
Phill Fury vs. TBA