Caithness boxers remain unstoppable in the ring
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CAITHNESS boxers Liall Mackenzie and Chris Ryder remain undefeated in their professional careers as both recorded impressive victories in Aberdeen on Saturday night.
Firefighter Mackenzie proved too strong for Lancashire’s Willie Warburton with the Wick light welterweight comfortably getting the verdict on points.
South African-born Thurso junior middleweight Ryder also impressed in the Granite City with a rock-steady performance to defeat Myles Vale from Birmingham.
Both fighters are now 2-0 in their professional boxing careers and are already making a big impression on the Scottish boxing scene as they look to continue their winning streaks into 2018.
Mackenzie said Warburton was arguably his toughest opponent to date but felt confident he always had enough in him to seal the victory over six rounds.
“I was advised not to give Willie any space because he likes to box and was told to constantly keep on his chest and put him under pressure.
“That is what I did from the opening bell and it seemed to work as I kept him on the ropes and put constant pressure on him.
“I took five out of the six rounds, I got an earful from my coach for letting him back in the third but managed to pull it back.
“There are things I can take away from the fight to learn but two wins out of two in my professional career – I can’t ask for more than that.” Ryder was also impressive against Vale taking a comfortable points win. Despite dominating the bout, he had to work hard against a tough opponent.
“I came through strong and managed to hit him with some of my best punches, but it was tough as Myles still kept coming forward and was strong.
“I would say that Myles was the hardest opponent I have faced yet due to his physical toughness. But I was confident the whole way through the fight that I would win. The coach was really pleased with my performance, saying Saturday was a real test that I passed.”
Both Mackenzie and Ryder had strong support from the far north with a vocal band of fans from Caithness having travelled 200 miles to support both fighters.
“Between 40 to 50 people came to Aberdeen to watch us fight and it felt amazing,” said Ryder.
“There is nothing like receiving the backing from fans from your home town.
“Our promoter was really impressed by the number of people who came to support us.” Mackenzie agreed: “To have my friends and family and Chris’ friends and family coming down to support us was great. It takes a lot of money to travel from Caithness to Aberdeen and for so many people to come down especially to watch us felt brilliant.”
Both men have fought their last competitive bout in 2017 but are being lined up to compete in their third professional fights in February, with their opponents to be confirmed.
