Tyrone Nurse is ready to play the waiting game as he gets to grips with his Commonwealth light-welterweight title defeat by Derby’s Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan.
It was only a second loss in 31 professional fights for the Huddersfield 10st star, who went down 114-113 (twice) and 113-113 over 12 rounds.
The 24-year-old is mandatory title challenger for Willie Limond’s British title, but Derby’s Ryan could now claim precedence after his victory.
It’s also possible Scotsman Limond could step up to European title level, paving the way for a Nurse-Ryan rematch for both the British and Commonwealth straps.
Despite his success, 31-year-old Ryan was left with a cracked cheekbone and a nose problem, and he will also see a specialist also has a long-standing elbow injury.
That means he is unlikely to fight again until the New Year while Nurse, put down in both the opening rounds, could probably go again by November.
“There are a number of possibilities,” explained trainer Chris Aston. “It all depends on Willie Limond what the British board decide should happen next.
“It’s disappointing to have lost, obviously, but the challenge for Tyrone now is to learn from what happened and ensure this is just a blip.
“It was a cracking fight and full credit to Dave Ryan. We knew he was a tough, tough man, and he took some punishment and came through.
“Some people had Tyrone down as edging it and some had it as a draw, but the only opinion that really matters is that of the judges.
“They ruled that Dave had won and we have no argument with that. He put up an excellent performance.
“I think he was better prepared mentally than Tyrone, who pretty much walked onto jabs in the first two rounds.
“That left him having to make up ground to get back into it, and the fight unfolded differently from how we wanted it to.
“The plus is that Tyrone showed he has the heart and bottle for a 12 rounder, and don’t forget it was the first time he’d gone that far.
“It was also the first time he’s been so high up on a Sky Sports bill, so as learning experiences go, it was excellent.
“We’ll see what the British board have to say and decide where to go next, but Tyrone will be back.”
