Just four months after producing one of the most memorable Irish title fights in recent memory, reigning Irish middleweight champion Paul “Ravishing” Ryan is preparing for the biggest night of his career.
The 27-year-old claimed the Irish middleweight crown in April after an unforgettable war with Peter Carr, a contest many have since labelled as one of the finest fights ever staged in Dublin’s National Stadium. Since then, Ryan has remained active with a composed six-round victory over Jordan Grannum on July 10 in Leopardstown, on a JB Promotions card promoted by Jay Byrne, before receiving the call every Irish fighter wanted.
On September 5, Ryan will box on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s historic Croke Park homecoming, where he takes on experienced Belfast campaigner Paddy Gallagher.
Looking back on his Irish title triumph, Ryan admitted he knew from the opening moments he was in for a gruelling night’s work.
“As soon as I saw how quick Peter got up after the first knockdown, I knew I’d be working hard all night,” he said. “It was always going to be a tough fight.”
Only afterwards did Ryan fully appreciate what he had been part of.
“I’ve watched it back and it really was a classic,” he reflected. “It’s one I’m extremely proud of and I think it was the perfect kind of fight for such a prestigious title.”
That victory has transformed Ryan from respected domestic contender into one of the most talked-about fighters on the Irish scene, but with Croke Park looming, there was little room for complacency. A six-round outing against Jordan Grannum served one purpose above all else—stay sharp without jeopardising the biggest opportunity of his career.
Ryan admitted the thought of suffering a cut or injury was never far from his mind.
“That was definitely in my head going into the fight,” he explained. “The plan was just to get the rounds in and keep the cobwebs off.”
With a sizeable support in attendance at Leopardstown, the temptation to chase an emphatic finish was there, but experience prevailed.
“I always want to put on a show because I had a huge crowd there, but credit to my corner team and Jay. They kept reminding me to stick to my boxing, win the rounds and get out with no injuries or cuts.”
Mission accomplished. Ryan banked six valuable rounds, emerged unscathed and now turns his full attention to Irish boxing’s biggest occasion.
Even now, the magnitude of fighting on Katie Taylor’s undercard is still sinking in.
“Being part of September 5 is magic, genuinely,” Ryan said. “This is something people will be talking about for years and years, and to be a small part of it really means the world to me.”
Never one to shy away from a bit of showmanship—his Ravishing nickname a nod to his love of professional wrestling—Ryan revealed preparations are already underway for a memorable ring walk.
“We’re planning the ring walk and the fight kit now,” he smiled. “The robe is going to be extra special for this one.”
While Ryan has become a fan favourite in his own right, he was quick to acknowledge the woman whose success made nights like September 5 possible.
“Katie Taylor isn’t just a pioneer for women’s boxing or boxing as a sport,” he said. “She’s a pioneer for Ireland. She’s the perfect ambassador for our country and to even be mentioned in the same sentence as her is a huge honour.”
Standing across the ring will be one of Ireland’s most experienced professionals in Paddy Gallagher. Although the Belfast man enters the contest following a controversial draw with Graham McCormack, Ryan expects to face the very best version of the former titleholder.
“Paddy is battle-tested. He’s been there and done it,” Ryan said. “I think he still feels he’s got more to prove, so he’s going to come with a real fire lit under him.”
Rather than focusing on recent results, the champion is preparing for the Gallagher who collected titles and victories against high-level opposition.
“I’m expecting the Paddy Gallagher that was winning titles a couple of years ago. That’s the Paddy I’m training for, and I’m excited at the thought of sharing the ring with him.”
From lifting the Irish title after an instant classic to earning a place on the biggest boxing event in Irish history, 2026 has already been a defining year for Paul Ryan.
Now comes the next chapter.
A packed Croke Park, the brightest lights Irish boxing has ever seen and a seasoned opponent determined to spoil the party await. But if Ryan’s unforgettable battle with Peter Carr proved anything, it is that he possesses both the skill and the heart to thrive when the stakes are highest.
On September 5, Ravishing gets his chance to shine on Irish boxing’s grandest stage
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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