Hometown Gunnedah product Wade Ryan returns to the ring for the first time since successfully defending his World Boxing Council belt in Sydney last year.
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The WBC Asian Continental middleweight title holder defeated Bondi boxer John Halabi by knockout to retain his championship belt won in China in February 2016.
He will meet Thai-born and now Brisbane-based Pramool Boonpok in one of the main events at Gunnedah’s Bad Intentions 2 Fight Night on April 7 held at the town hall.
Gunnedah Black and Blue Boxing Gym trainer David Syphers said his local star has much fighting in his favour on familiar territory.
“[Wade] will be too sharp, too powerful,” Syphers predicted for the six-round contest.
“He’s ranked number four for his middleweight division in Australia.”
Also gloving up in Gunnedah will be the evergreen, Rob Medley.
The 35-year-old, who in 2010 fought the infamous Anthony Mundine, has another tough task ahead of him next week in Irish opponent, Joe Rae.
“There’s no love lost between them,” Syphers said.
Medley works in the mines in near Mudgee and claims 31 wins in a 34-bout career. Syphers said he will looking to use all that experience for his upcoming Gunnedah fight.
Organisers have scheduled four professional and 10 amateur bouts for the evening, with boxers from Sydney, Brisbane, Tamworth and Narrabri travelling to Gunnedah.
Among the list of local amateurs taking to the ring will be Bailey Tull, Mick Kleinschafer, Tony Griffiths and Shane Roberts.
This will be Griffiths’ second fight and about the eighth for Roberts but both are poised for big bouts.
“They’re looking really good,” Syphers said.
The local lads are among about 40 boxers training at the Gunnedah gym under the watch of new amateur trainer Wayne Kemp.
“It’s good for their fitness and their attitude,” Syphers said. “The discipline side of things is great for their confidence.”
Having the likes of Ryan and Medley was also a great asset to the club.
“Wade started with us 14 years ago,” he said. “I think that says a lot.”
Fight night tickets cost $50 and can be purchased from the Gunnedah Hotel or at the door.