Cromer’s Ryan Walsh was left bloodied and bruised at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday as Ronnie 'The Shark' Clark sunk his Dundonian teeth into Liam’s twin brother.
Clark, the former world, British and European kickboxing champion, impressed referee Mark Green enough to claim a 95-95 draw after ten rounds, with the British Masters super-featherweight title remaining vacant.
It was a hard fight to score at ringside and I originally had Walsh winning by three rounds. In fairness it was a close fight that was keenly contested by both men.
Clark said: “It was an excellent fight. I hear mixed opinions from the fans - some said I won and some say I didn't. But it’s a bit strange that we’re in his hometown and they call it a draw but these things happen in boxing.”
Clark (9st 3lbs 6oz) started and ended the contest strongly - but I felt the fight should have been won in the middle rounds by Walsh (9st 3lbs 2oz) with his neat and tidy boxing on the outside.
A sweet counter left-cross busted the nose of Walsh in the opener and the Scotsman had an excellent second round with a shaky looking Walsh doing well to survive.
“The second round it did look like he was really troubled but give him his due he was clever and he held on to survive that second round,” said Clark. “He has got a big nose so it was a big target and that was part of the game plan. But that’s boxing, a bleeding nose and bruising is nothing if you’re a fighter.
“He worked hard and done what he had to do. He kept at range and was on his bike all the time. When he did come in for the war he got tagged and got a bit of a messed up face as well.”
But despite that early success, Clark’s team of Tony Lindie and trainer Lex Easdon revealed to me in the changing rooms afterwards it was the worst Ronnie had boxed in his seven outings to date.
Ronnie agreed: “Everything was single shots. In that second round I let my hands go and when I went in for the war I felt like I was taking over. But when he switched to the boxing he was a tricky customer.”
Clark may not have been totally happy with his performance, but take into consideration he took the fight on just three weeks notice and with Ryan enjoying two full training camps - there is plenty to take heart from.
He was still able to give Walsh a tremendously tough fight that was enthralling to watch and with a full training camp behind him says he can beat Walsh.
“I took the fight because I believe more prospects should be fighting prospects. I would rematch him tomorrow. He’s a great kid but I'm stronger and physically bigger than him.”
However, the Walsh camp are not keen on a rematch, with perhaps making 9st 4lbs a bridge too far for Ryan, who claimed the English title at 8st 10lbs just over a year ago.
Not many unbeaten fighters climbing the rankings in Britain would have taken a fight against such a dangerous and talented opponent in his own backyard on short notice.
But Clark is a throwback. He’s happy to fight anyone and anywhere. He knows if he wants to be the best that he has to fight the best. And Ronnie Clark is one to keep an eye on in the domestic 130lbs division in 2013.
Clark will return to action before the year is out appearing on a Sweeney Promotions bill at Meadowhall Arena, Edinburgh on December 8.
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