Anthony Joshua’s protege Shannon Ryan looking to make statement in first fight under Eddie Hearn
EXCLUSIVE: Shannon Ryan, the protégé of Anthony Joshua, wants to make a statement in the fight against European champion Martina Bernile in the first fight under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing
Undefeated super flyweight Shannon Ryan (4-0) hopes to make a statement in her first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner.
The 26-year-old will take on EBU European Flyweight Champion Martina Bernile (5-1-1) at Wembley Arena on June 10 in her toughest test to date as a professional.
Coming into the bout seven months away from her heroic triumph over Justine Lallemand in November, where she snatched the vacated belt, Bernile is now ready to move up a weight class to face Ryan in a non-title fight.
Ryan, who fought mostly travel wives during the early stages of her career in the paid ranks, relishes the opportunity to show her class against a decorated operator.
She said Mail sports: ‘I’m definitely looking forward to this. Like you said, it’s a step up, so it’ll be good for me to show where I stand.
Shannon Ryan signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in April
The 26-year-old will meet Martina Bernile in her sixth professional appearance on Saturday night
Bernile is the reigning EBU European Flyweight Champion
Ryan is represented by Anthony Joshua’s 258 management
“She comes from the weight below, the previous fights I’ve had have all come from the top. She has a good record, 5-1-1, and I expect a good fight.
“This could definitely project me to title level, but for my career we are in no hurry. I think now that I have a promoter behind me I am on the right track. So when that title shot comes, we’re ready.”
The Watford technician is represented by Anthony Joshua’s 258 management and has been touted by promoter Eddie Hearn as one of the brightest prospects in women’s boxing.
But it wasn’t until last April that Ryan worked part-time selling phones for O2 before she got her big break to focus fully on the sport she loves.
“I was full-time assistant manager and then I went to part-time and then I left last year,” she said.
“I was ready to leave, to say the least, but now that we’re working together and they’re supporting me in my boxing career, it’s been a phenomenal journey in itself.”
Speaking of her ambitions, Ryan added: ‘Titles are what everyone wants to achieve and I believe I can do that with the skills and the support I have.
“So I hope to get my hands on one in the next three years. The female boxers and the Anthony Joshua’s protege Shannon Ryan looking to make statement in first fight under Eddie Hearn fights happen so much faster.
“The divisions are building up, so there’s more opposition, which is great. I want to fight the best and challenge myself, but my career is more about inspiring others and showing people that if you pursue something, you can achieve your goal.”