HUDDERSFIELD’S Alistair Warren is to target an area title.
The 23-year-old from Chris Aston’s Linthwaite stable was beaten on points by John Ryder on the Sheffield show which featured Kell Brook’s victory against Matthew Hatton.
Ryder extended his unbeaten middleweight record to 10-0 against Warren– known as Burt – by taking five rounds to two with one drawn.
“Burt pushed him right to the limits,” said Aston, who is also working on what’s to come next for Tyrone Nurse.
“To be fair to Ryder, he didn’t tire like we thought he would and he was strong through the eight rounds, but with the pressure Burt put on he had to fight out of his boots.
“Five rounds to two against him doesn’t reflect the effort Burt put in and every round was contested in what was a very, very hard fight.”
Warren weighed in at 11st 8oz while Ryder was just under 11st 10oz.
“Ryder has a very good record as an amateur and he’s unbeaten as a pro, and while Burt wasn’t out of his class, he needed a bit more urgency about his work,” explained Aston.
“Burt wobbled him in the second round but, unfortunately, it came a bit early because Ryder was fresh and he was able to recover before Burt could tag him.
“Another opportunity like that didn’t come along again, but Burt showed he’s a good distance fighter.
“With that in mind, I would like to think we can maybe make a Central Area title fight for him, because he can certainly win at that level over the next few years.”
Aston next has some fighters in action at North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax, on April 14, when Ismail Anwar is due to make his professional debut.
Also on the bill are Scott Gladwin, Richard Bitner and Shahzad Hussain, while highly-rated Castleford boxer Nathan Owens will fight the very experienced John Anthony.
Leading lightweight prospect Liam Walsh is also lined up for an eight-rounder against Stuart Green, which will be tough.
Tickets from Aston on 07917 881114.
