MIDDLETON Select boxer Matthew Ryan made a successful defence of his North West Region belt at the weekend.

Ryan was challenged by Chris Jenkinson of Castle Hill police club in Bolton.

In the first of three rounds, Ryan was quick on his feet, moving in and out and landing scoring punches with every shot he threw.

All Jenkinson could do was try to escape the punishment and the first round cleary belonged to Ryan after an outstanding performance.

During the one minute rest at the corner Ryan’s coach, Martyn Lynch, was telling his man to go out and do the same again and to keep the pressure on his opponent.

Ryan did as he was told and the second round was a spectacular performance, Ryan using his long reach to throw straight one-two’s and double jabs, knocking Jenkinson’s head back every time and resulting in Jenkinson receiving a standing eight count.

Giving him no time to rest, Ryan was quickly attacking Jenkinson again with fine jabs, left hooks and body shots. The round couldn’t end soon enough for Jenkinson.

In the final round, Jenkinson came out knowing he had to stop Ryan to be in with any chance of going home with the North West region title belt – but Ryan was not going to let it go that easy.

Keeping the pressure on in the final round, Ryan demonstrated tremendous fitness levels and skill, hunting Jenkinson round the ring.

Ryan managed to land every combination he threw and it was a wonder Jenkinson didn’t drop to the canvas.

The result of the bout was a unanimous points win for Ryan, who showcased his fantastic talent yet again.

Ryan will fight at the DeVere’s White Hotel in the Bolton Wanderers football stadium on Saturday at 7pm, where he will be defending the belt against the Tyne, Tees and Wear region belt holder at 70Kg. All supporters are welcome.