Whitehaven Underground Operator Wade Ryan went from amateur to professional boxer in 2012 and has just competed for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Welter and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Super Welter titles in Japan.
Wade took on Japanese boxer Takeshi Inoue in the 12-round fight in Tokyo in late March and came away with a very close draw.
“We took a lot of positives out of the fight, to be able to travel the world and do what I love was unreal and to fight in front of a totally different audience was amazing,” said Wade.
The 34-year-old started boxing when he was 12 years old. His older brother practiced boxing at the local PCYC, and his dad loved it as well.
“I just went along with my brother one day to a class and never looked back.
“I’m in the super welterweight division, which is 69.85 kilos, the same division as Tim Tszyu.”
Tim Tszyu is Australia’s biggest boxer right now with 24 wins under his belt, 17 of those delivered as knock outs. He just suffered his first professional loss in Las Vegas against Sebastian Fundora.
“I fought him a couple of years ago in a pro fight at the Star Casino in Sydney for the WBC Asian Super Welter title and lost in a very close decision that we really thought we won – so now I must build my rankings back up and get a rematch.
“Tim Tszyu would be one of the top calibre of fighters I’ve been up against. I have also fought Michael Zerafa, Dennis Hogan for a world title eliminator and last year I took on a Russian bloke by the name of Sergei Vorobev who was ranked 15th in the world. That fight is a standout because I was the underdog.”
Of his 34 professional bouts, Wade has won 22 with 8 of those being knockouts, lost 11 and has had one draw – the most recent fight in Japan.
“The fight came about after winning my last fight on the Gold Coast against Sergio. That put me in good stead to fight for the next belts above and for the IBF #2 spot in the world.
“Sergio has fought for world titles before and fought against Tim Tszyu.
“The opportunity to represent Australia in a World title fight was an honour.
“The fight was good, it took a couple of rounds to work out my range and get into my groove, but once I worked him out, I thought the fight went quite well. The middle rounds were strong and a couple of those maybe only went to him being in his home country.
“I was more dominant in the later rounds and again, I thought we did enough to win, but I’m happy with a draw.”
Wade said he wouldn’t be able to do what he does, and keep a full-time job, without the support of Whitehaven over the years.
“I couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone at work from management to the boys who work underground with me. I couldn’t be more appreciative of Whitehaven as a whole; everyone gets behind me and backs and supports me as much as they can.
“It feels good to have that support and it feels like we’re all in it together.
“Sponsorships and contributions have eased the financial strain of preparing for fights, particularly the extensive travel required for training in Sydney, which leading into major fights is where my sparring occurs.”
Wade trains at the iconic Black n Blue Boxing Gym in Gunnedah which Whitehaven also supports. Albert Nolan is another professional boxer who trains at the gym and also works for Whitehaven.
The next fight for Wade could mean another trip overseas, but wherever it is Wade is certainly not putting the gloves away any time soon.
