Walsall's Ryan Woolridge completed his first eight-round contest in a dominant performance at the Stadium suite Bescot Stadium (16.11.24). The twenty-four-year-old Bloxwich boxer, the ‘Rhino,’ took his record to eleven without defeat as he took on Connor Meanwell (29). The contest was the main event at the BcB show Unleashed show which had a total of five contests. Woolridge weighed in eleven stone, with Meanwell coming in eleven stone one in this Middleweight contest with Pete McCormick reffing.
Measured start by Woolridge who landed some nice jabs and worked Meanwell’s head and body with his backhand, Meanwell did have a go-back but missed with a lot of them as Woolridge was in full control. Woolridge was keeping it simple in the second landing nice jabs and backhands, Woolridge then stepped it up in the second part of the round landing some big combinations and rocking Meanwell who did try and throw back but covered up for most of the round. Meanwell had to cover up from the start of the third as Woolridge went to work banging in some heavy combinations from up close and from range, Meanwell rallied at the end landing some nice shots to the body but it was Woolridge round. The pace slowed in the fourth and Meanwell landed some nice shots to the body and head, Woolridge retook control of the round landing some nice jabs and backhands close even round.
Woolridge went back to what worked using his jab and landing a heavy backhand as Meanwell looked good when allowed to work on the inside but Woolridge won the round with his work rate. Woolridge controlled the sixth with his jab landing some heavy backhands and some nice body shots, Meanwell continued to have a go back but Woolridge was in full control. Woolridge continued to pump out a heavy jab followed by some big backhands in the seventh, there was a great exchange in the middle of the with both fighters landing shots with Woolridge winning the exchange and the round. Meanwell started the final round strong as Woolridge decided to go to war with Meanwell who won these exchanges, Woolridge then got back on his jab and moved well as Meanwell pressed hard winning the round.
Ref Pete McCormick scored the contest 80 to 73 Woolridge, I had it 79 to 72 Woolridge.
Woolridge wins contest
Dexter’s Thoughts
Dominant Performance By Woolridge who showcased a great jab and some heavy backhands. Woolridge also controlled the pace of the rounds and still looked strong in the final round even though in my opinion he lost that one. Woolridge dominated the contest but you had to give Meanwell credit as he kept it competitive and kept Woolridge on his toes. Woolridge took his record to eleven without defeat and I think he has moved beyond fighting for the area title and in my opinion should be looking more at the English in the Middleweight division. Woolridge has showcased great skills and control in his first eight rounder and I look forward to seeing him get a title shot very soon.
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