Dublin middleweight Paul Ryan believes his experience and preparation will be key as he approaches the biggest fight of his professional career.
On April 4, Ryan faces Peter Carr for the vacant Irish middleweight title on yet another JB Promotions card — a bout that represents both an opportunity and a significant test within a booming domestic scene.
“We’ve prepared well and I’m very confident that our preparation and gameplan will be enough to get us there,” Ryan said.
Carr, who enters the contest in strong form, is not being underestimated.
“He’s a very good fighter,” Ryan noted. “He’s tidy, he’s sharp and very good at setting traps — he knows what he’s doing in there. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”
Learning at a Higher Level
Since turning professional in April 2021, Ryan has steadily built his record while gaining experience across different environments. That development, he believes, could prove decisive.
“I do feel the experience I’ve gained gives me a big advantage coming into these domestic fights,” he explained. “The travelling, the cutting the weight — you learn little things.”
Competing in the WBC Grand Prix in Riyadh offered a particular step up in level.
“I’ve been in the ring with good level guys like the Canadian, Derek Pomerleau,” he said. “Even the Moroccan lad I beat in the Grand Prix, Anas El Abid — he was an IBO Youth World Champion, so it was a very good level I was mixing at.”
A Foundation Built in the Amateur Ranks
Ryan’s confidence is underpinned by a strong amateur pedigree, highlighted by a bronze medal at the World Championships in St Petersburg.
“The highlight of my amateur career has to be winning the bronze medal,” he said. “I boxed Tajikistan in the first round, Tonga in the second, then I beat Milan Prat of France.”
Prat has since gone on to become a European champion in the professional ranks, underlining the quality of opposition Ryan faced.
“I then boxed a really good lad from Uzbekistan in the semi-final,” Ryan added, referencing an opponent who would later defeat Emmet Brennan at the Olympic Games.
Early Influences and Lasting Motivation
Ryan’s connection to boxing began at home, shaped by family and the Irish fight scene of the time.
“My Ma and Da always had it on the telly,” he recalled. “I remember the Hunky Dory nights with Bernard Dunne, and Paul McCloskey was a big hero of mine.”
Regular trips to Dublin’s National Stadium further reinforced that ambition.
“My Da would bring me to the Irish Elite finals every year. I remember looking at the lads fighting as if they were 10 foot tall.”
Timing the Opportunity at Home
Now competing more frequently in Dublin, Ryan sees the current domestic activity as an important platform.
“It’s great to be part of a very busy domestic scene,” he said. “My first fight in Dublin was against Edward Donovan in October and now I’m back again.”
Fighting at home, he believes, is essential for progression.
“You need to be in your hometown and around your own people. It’s a great opportunity and a great way to grow your profile.”
Staying Focused on the Task Ahead
Victory on April 4 would see Ryan claim a prestigious Irish title once held by Steve Collins, but his mindset remains focused.
“To be honest, I don’t think about that side of things,” he said. “I leave all the planning to my management. I know Jay Byrne and Butch at JB Promotions are behind me.”
Instead, his focus remains firmly on performance.
“Their job is outside of the ring and my job is in the ring — and that’s all I’ve got to focus on.”
All of it — the early days in the National Stadium, the world championship medal, and the lessons learned on the road as a professional — has led Ryan to this point. Now, with an Irish title within reach, the focus is simple: show up and fight.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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