Coseley's Ryan Corrigan goes under the radar

Coseley's Ryan Corrigan could be Black Country boxing's best-kept secret as he takes a back-seat on his journey as a professional.

As amateurs, Ryan Aston and Tommy Ghent were the major stars of the Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley,

Featherweight Corrigan served his apprenticeship alongside them - and the 22-year-old has gone on to join them in the professional ranks.

Aston and Ghent have both starred in front of the TV cameras while, tucked away on under-cards, Corrigan has picked up a couple of low-key wins that have even surprised his coach!

Trainer Paul Gough has been in Corrigan's corner since he started boxing nine years ago and will be for his next fight at Birmingham's Tower Ballrooms a week on Saturday.

Gough admitted: "I wasn't really sure if Ryan would make it as a professional. He's a nice mover, a natural counter puncher, but I wasn't sure if he had the strength for the pro game.

"But he seems to be progressing well and getting stronger all the time. Nobody seems to be taking a lot of notice of Ryan - but he could be one to watch out for.

"He's going to be a strong featherweight and could come through under the radar. Because people aren't talking about him, there aren't any great expectations.

"That means Ryan can just get his head down, graft and learn the business."

One person who was complementary about Corrigan is Frankie Gavin, the British and Commonwealth welterweight champion.

He's surely currently Britain's best pure boxer, which Corrigan knows from the sparring ring - and Gavin was left suitably impressed.

There are similarities between them - both are southpaw counter punchers - and Gough said: "Sparring Frankie can only bring Ryan on. Frankie definitely rates him.

"Ryan isn't as slick as Frankie, but then who is? But he has speed and is very accurate and spiteful with his punches.

"It's early days yet, but Ryan is doing everything that's been asked of him so far and he could surprise a few people."

Tickets for the show at the Tower Ballrooms are still available by calling 07427 609 377.