Whelan faces a mate for the Midlands title

Ryan Whelan…fights for light-heavy crown at Holiday Inn on June 14

RYAN Whelan will meet a very familiar foe for the vacant Midlands light-heavyweight title on June 14.

In the opposite corner will be Tamworth’s Dave Butlin. They’ve sparred together, they’ve fought twice in the amateur ranks, with Butlin gaining both decisions. “They were typical, close amateur fights,” said 27-year-old Whelan, a member of Birmingham’s well known fighting family, the Holts.

They get on well together.

“There’s no animosity,” Ryan insisted. “We’re mates despite wanting to punch each other in the face in the ring.”

They get to punch each other in the face, with the Midlands belt on the line, at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.

It’s a 10 rounder between two men of limited professional experience, but not many title contests have been so evenly balanced. Butlin, aged 30, has won five and never been beyond the four round apprentice distance.

Whelan has one draw in six – all four rounders. Neither have registered a stoppage, so both may have to travel the championship marathon for the first time.

Ryan, who works in security, is an amiable, “heart on sleeve” individual outside the ring. Butlin is more matter-of-fact, which is to be expected from a canny businessman who runs his own company.

Whelan was supposed to challenge veteran champ Cliff Henry last March, but injury forced the army boxer to withdraw.

He and Butlin meet with an agreement the winner will defend against Hereford’s Henry.

“Things are going well,” Whelan said. “I’m not facing a more experienced fighter, but this is more of a level playing field. He’s never gone beyond four rounds – it’s an interesting fight.

“I’m confident, I’m doing the work. There are always still things to learn, in boxing there are always things to do. That will never stop.”

Whelan is pleased with the progress made so far.

“This will be my seventh fight, I’m fighting for an area title – I can’t be ashamed of that,” he said. “I’m with the right people. The good thing is, being managed by Jon (Pegg) he’s not going to push you into silly fights.

“I’m a work in progress, but I’ll always refer to myself as that – you are always looking to progress. I’m not a one punch KO artist, but there is power and I’ve shown it in some fights. When you have an opponent that comes forward, you have the chance to show it.”

Whelan believes he’ll have plenty of support on the night.

He added: “I have my gym backing me, my family (it’s a big family) and my friends. But at the end of the day, it’s just me and Dave in the ring.”

Whelan and Butlin is a clash of novices that may prove a barnstormer.