Ryan: Taylor will have great career but I'll put him on ropes

Derby-based boxer Dave Ryan believes Josh Taylor has a stellar career ahead of him in the super-lightweight division '“ but only after he has taken care of him first.

Dave Ryan believes his superior stamina and ring knowledge will wear Taylor down

The duo will face off for the vacant Commonwealth super-lightweight title at Meadowbank on October 21, a belt Ryan held up until the end of last year before relinquishing his title to John Wayne Hibbert.

Edinburgh’s 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, meanwhile, has enjoyed a fine start to his professional career registering six consecutive knockouts since signing with Cyclone promoter Barry McGuigan last summer.

Ryan, 33, appreciates Taylor is a star in the making but feels this is a contest he simply can’t win.

“I’ve watched one or two of Josh’s pro fights and he’s a very good fighter. I’m looking forward to coming up here in October, I just hope he is ready because it will make for a cracking fight,” Ryan said of the bout that will be broadcast exclusively live on Channel 5. “I believe Josh is the upcoming star of the division but I believe a fight of this calibre is far too soon for him.

“I’ll give him the first couple of rounds and then I’ll take over, take him somewhere where he’s never been before. When he finds himself in the ring with somebody who keeps walking forward and is prepared to fight back, something he’s never had before, I don’t think he’s going to handle it too well. I think he’ll come out fast and nick the first two or three rounds but then I’ll start wearing him down. I always get stronger as the fight goes on.”

Ryan wasn’t receptive to the suggestion that Taylor’s natural prowess will compensate for his inexperience.

“Josh has never done more than two rounds as a pro so when he’s in there and I’m still coming at him after four and five rounds, that’s when he’s going to feel it. I’ve got a lot of respect for him but this is just too much,” he said. “You can train hard and spar for 20 rounds or whatever but fighting is completely different.

“Every loss is a setback, especially at 33 years of age but I believe I am at the peak of my career now. I’ve definitely got three or four years left in me at least and I want to achieve a lot more.”