One man sure to be glued to this month’s IBF Featherweight Final Eliminator between Josh Warrington and Dennis Ceylan is current British 9st king Ryan Walsh.

Twelve months back, contesting the vacant EBU strap, the cagey Cromer southpaw conceded a highly contentious 12 round split decision to the unbeaten Ceylan over in Frederikshavn – despite carpeting the Dane in the opening session.

Here, in his own words, Ryan – World rated by both the WBC (8) and WBO (15) – delivers his assessment of the two principals.

"In the build up, Ceylan was very relaxed and respectful, didn’t give it the ‘big ‘un’. Then, on fight night, he started out quite aggressive – fast and long – until I knocked him on his arse. He thought he’d just steam out and ‘do’ me. Suicide! After that, I believe his corner advised him to keep away.

Ceylan’s supposed to have great amateur pedigree - an ex Olympian and WSB fighter.  His speed was okay but he didn’t show any of that pedigree against me, not after I hurt him. He had a weird style, fought out of a hunch. He’s certainly no Mikkel Kessler though he has quite a similar style.

We knew beforehand if I didn’t knock him out I couldn’t win over there. I scored a genuine knockdown when I hit his chest – part of the scoring target – but nothing given. Another time, the ref virtually held Dennis up when I wobbled him. You could tell that he knew once he got to the final bell, he’d be given the verdict. He’ll not enjoy those luxuries in Leeds.

At the time, I thought Ceylan was a real tough bastard; very stubborn and steely. He also looked good against Isaac Lowe. (a four round technical draw, five months later)

I think the styles of Warrington and Ceylan should mesh well and it’ll be a competitive fight. I expect Ceylan to offer plenty of resistance early on but he lacks experience. He’s not been in with many top fighters. I’m easily the best he’s fought.

Warrington is every fit and big at the weight. He’s got good energy and does that grab and ‘crab’ thing, similar to Ricky Burns. He throws a few then falls in and clings. Warrington will win a points decision then move on to Selby.”

Chief support on an unmissable evening of action sees Huddersfield’s British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse (35-2-2,7 KOs) make a highly-anticipated defence of his crown against undefeated Chorley star Jack Catterall (18-0, 10 KOs).

Undefeated Midlands Area Super-Featherweight Champion Lyon Woodstock takes on Southern Area Champion Craig Poxton in a guaranteed barn burner.

Undefeated Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent J.J Metcalf (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Leeds native Damon Jones (15-1, 3 KOs) in an official eliminator for the British title currently held by Warren stablemate Liam Williams.

Zelfa Barrett returns on October 21st in Leeds to face Chris Conwell for the vacant English Super-Featherweight Title in Leeds, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Barrett has displayed some excellent recent form stopping eight of his last nine opponents, made all the more impressive considering he is an 18-fight novice with a lack of amateur experience.

Speaking at last month's press conference, Barrett spoke about his opponent: “Chris [Conwell] is going to bring his A game but I believe in what I am going to do.

“I've had a lot of learning fights, they've been against very tough and durable opponents. After I beat Chris I will be ready for anyone and everything.”

‘Brown Flash’ picked up his nickname due to his connection with uncle Pat ‘Black Flash’ Barrett, a former British and European Champion. This, couple with his lightning fast hand speed. The Manchester talent has been training hard for the biggest bout in his professional career.

“I respect every fighter massively. I'd never underestimate anyone. I'm a smart man. Chris has a lot of heart and he trains hard. We are both from Manchester and we can both fight, there is a lot of pride on the line. I'm training like this is a World Title fight,” explained the 24-year-old.

Main event on October 21 sees local hero Josh Warrington face the undefeated Dennis Ceylan in an Official Eliminator for Lee Selby's IBF Featherweight World Championship.

Chief support on an unmissable evening of action sees Huddersfield’s British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse (35-2-2,7 KOs) make a highly-anticipated defence of his crown against undefeated Chorley star Jack Catterall (18-0, 10 KOs).

Undefeated Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent J.J Metcalf (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Leeds native Damon Jones (15-1, 3 KOs) in an official eliminator for the British title currently held by Warren stablemate Liam Williams.

Undefeated Midlands Area Super-Featherweight Champion Lyon Woodstock takes on Southern Area Champion Craig Poxton in a guaranteed barn burner.

Lowestoft giantslayer Craig Poxton enters this month’s mouth-watering domestic dust-up against Leicester’s Lyon Woodstock intent on convincing the fight trade that he’s no ‘one fight wonder’

Poxton executed one of the upsets of the year last February when he chopped down Chingford’s previously unbeaten Boy Jones Jr in ten to snare the Southern Area Super-Featherweight strap at The York Hall.

‘I’d seen quite a bit of Ben (Jones) on the Walsh’s undercards,' said Poxton. ‘He’s a very tough kid who gets his shots off nicely -  props to him - but, on that night, I was too ‘man’ for him, all round.

'He couldn’t cope with my pressure. Still, he’s very young and I’m sure he’ll rebuild and come again. Perhaps we’ll do it again one day.’

And the father of two daughters knows that a similar slaughter of the fancied Woodstock (9-0, 5 quick)  could propel him to the cusp of an unlikely crack at the British title.

‘I sparred with Lyon a few times and he brings a lot of power,’ acknowledged Craig who, nevertheless, insists he won’t be unnerved by the trigger tongued Midlander’s trash talking.

‘Lyon likes to get in your face and if he needs that to get stoked, good for him. But that won’t bother me.  I’m not one for mouthing off and won’t get side tracked by who said what. Boxing’s a man’s sport. You don’t need all the BS. Just enjoy the fight.’

Now 13-4 (2), Poxton claims he is perfectly primed for what is easily the toughest test thus far for both principals.

‘I always train as if it’s the hardest fight I’ll ever have, against the best possible version of my opponent. I never take my foot off the gas.

‘I’ve had eight weeks notice and a quality camp; lots of top sparring with the Walshes and Archie Sharp. I’m ready to go to work.

‘I think I’ll win because I train very hard, fight very hard and I’ve more ability than people think. I leave the business side to my team but I know a convincing win will definitely put me in the British title shake up.’ 

Main event on October 21 sees local hero Josh Warrington face the undefeated Dennis Ceylan in an Official Eliminator for Lee Selby's IBF Featherweight World Championship.

Chief support on an unmissable evening of action sees Huddersfield’s British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse (35-2-2,7 KOs) make a highly-anticipated defence of his crown against undefeated Chorley star Jack Catterall (18-0, 10 KOs).

Undefeated Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent J.J Metcalf (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Leeds native Damon Jones (15-1, 3 KOs) in an official eliminator for the British title currently held by Warren stablemate Liam Williams.

A stellar undercard also features British Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford (18-1, 6 KOs); former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and GB squad standout Sam Maxwell (Super-Lightweight, 3-0, 2 KOs); Bradford Welterweight Darren Tetley (14-0, 5KOs); Chapel-en-le-Frith Cruiserweight Jack Massey (12-0, 6 KOs); Doncaster Featherweight Reece Mould (6-0, 2 KOs); Leeds Flyweight Jack Bateson (1-0, 1 KO) and the professional debut of Leeds fighter Jack Daniels.

Tickets for Warrington v Ceylan priced at £30 (Upper Tier), £40 (Lower Tier), £60 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £120 (Floor) and £200 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from: First Direct Arena  0844 2481585