Boxing brothers from Rochdale return to the ring

Three boxing brothers from Rochdale are returning to the ring this year.

Michael Walsh, Ryan Walsh and Liam Walsh, who all grew up in Rochdale, are all set to fight in championship fights later this year.

The brothers started boxing after their dad spoke to Moggy because they “were always fighting at home”. After that, they were taken to Popeye’s gym.

Martin Larkin, Liam’s godfather and a family friend, said: “They haven’t looked back since then and are all really good at what they do.”

The brothers all made their professional debuts in 2008 boxing on the same bill in London’s Excel Arena.

Michael, the oldest of the brothers, retired after the death of his dad but has decided to apply for his licence again after two years.

Martin said: “All three took the death of their dad hard, but Michael was the only one who decided to retire. He is not only a big brother but he is a father figure as well.”

Michael has now decided that the time is right to fight again - he currently has a record of 10 fights and 10 knockouts. He has never had to fight past the third round.

Ryan Walsh is hoping to return to the ring in October for a championship fight where he will take on Josh Warrington for the British title. A date has not yet been set but Ryan will take to the ring in June in Norwich and if he wins that fight a date will be set.

Ryan currently has a record of 18 fights with 16 wins, one loss and one draw.

Liam Walsh, Ryan’s twin brother, will be fighting on Saturday 26 July at the Phones 4U Arena in Manchester for the British and Commonwealth Super Featherweight championship and will be going up against Gary Sykes from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
Martin added: “I’m selling it as a war of the roses.”

Liam currently holds the WBO European Lightweight title and the British Commonwealth Super featherweight title and has a record of 15 wins and no loses.

Liam is now preparing for his fight and has been involved in a ten week training programme in Lanzarote.

“He is now back from Lanzarote and doing some more training. When you are undefeated its not that you think you are invincible but you know you are quite good,” said Martin.

Liam is also looking for sponsorship to help him with his boxing career.

Martin added: “Anyone who is interested in sponsoring him should know that after his fight, he will be in Rochdale for the weekend and they will have his full attention for that weekend.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Liam or anyone looking for tickets to the fight, can contact Martin Larkin on 01706 550886 or 07821 312376. Tickets are £60.