Sam Noakes revealed the extent of his respect for Ryan Walsh as he nears what could prove the toughest fight of his career.
The British, Commonwealth and European lightweight champion defends his titles against Walsh on the undercard of Brad Pauls-Denzel Bentley on Saturday at Wembley Arena, and does so aware of the threat Walsh poses to his plans.
In the event of victory Noakes, guided by Queensberry Promotions and managed by Frank Warren’s son Francis, can expect to be matched with greater aggression in 2025.
Walsh represents the profile of opponent Queensberry hope will not only build Noakes’ profile but provide him with a valuable test ahead of potential dates against more dangerous fighters, but for all of his experience, perhaps unlike Yvan Mendy earlier in 2024, even at 38 he retains the ambition and desire to win.
Also perhaps relevant is that Walsh has previously defeated Reece Mould, Reece Bellotti and James Tennyson – fighters, not unlike Noakes, who were younger and fresher and to different degrees expected win.
The heavy-handed Noakes regardless has a sense of momentum the experienced Walsh does not, contributing to his belief that Walsh is “perfect” for his needs.
“He’s a credit to himself, being in the mix at the top level,” the 27 year old told BoxingScene. “I thought they would have been the generation before me. Ryan still fighting at his age is brilliant, really. I reckon I’ll be braindead by 32 – at 38, he’s still mixing with the best, so fair play to him.
“We met at the presser – they’re all [the Walsh brothers] lovely fellas. Proper fighters. There’s no nonsense; no bullshit. I was sat out there having a chat with them all. They’re very interesting – they’ve got quite a good story. When we done that sit-down interview, he was talking about boxing on the same card as his brothers, it was really interesting, just listening. It’s got the mix to be a brilliant fight – maybe the fight of the night.
“I’ll switch it on when I need to do it, and that’s on the night. I don’t need to waste aggressive energy trying to spice it up.
“Where he’s been about, and he’s got so much experience, he’s a good test for me. Coming off the back of that win over Reece Mould shows that he’s got plenty of fight left in him. For the stage of the career I’m at, pushing forward, I think it’s the perfect fight. It’s gonna be a tough one.
“We’ve watched him, and we know what he’s about. I’m training for 12 hard rounds – anything underneath that’s a bonus. I ain’t come this far to come this far – I’ve got plenty left, and even if you say Mendy was my hardest fight, I won every round. I’m not saying that’s going to be the same this time round, but it’s a good mark to see what I’m about.”
Noakes was asked about Walsh’s record of defeating Mould, Bellotti, Tennyson and more, and he responded: “I ain’t really bothered, to be honest. That Tennyson win was a while ago [in 2016]. It’ll just show how good I am.
“Mendy was the same age as well. The power’s the last thing to go, anyway, so I’ll make sure I’m on my toes.
“The durability of the two is going to be the same, but Ryan Walsh is coming with a bit more spite than Mendy. That’s how I’d assess it. Him and his brothers – they all love it, don’t they? They’re all rough and ready to go.
“The only thing I’m thinking is if I win this one, 2025 is gonna be big.”