Dennis Ceylan (17-0-1, 8 KOs) and Ryan Walsh (21-1-1, 10 KOs) both appeared in a confident mood at the final press conference ahead of their European Featherweight title fight on Saturday at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn.
Ceylan is aiming to become Denmark’s first European Champion for over ten years, while Walsh will be hoping to upset the home fighter and add the European strap to his collection of English and British titles.
Speaking to the media today at the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers hotel, Ceylan said he has had the best preparations of his career, and believes he is ready to write a new chapter in Danish boxing history.
‘’I’ve had the toughest training camp of my career and I feel better prepared than ever,’’ said the 27 year-old Aarhus-boxer. ‘’I’m expecting a close fight, but I believe I’m the better boxer, and I intend to prove that on Saturday night.
‘’I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m fighting for my children, my coach and my country. I want to make everyone proud and repay the support they’ve shown in me. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a European Champion in Denmark, and I want to put Danish boxing back on the map!’’
Standing in his way is the current British Champion Walsh, who shares the home fighters confidence, and plans to spoil Ceylan’s celebrations.
‘’I’m excited to be here in Denmark fighting for the European title,’’ said Walsh. ‘’I think it’s going to be great fight and I believe Dennis will bring out the best in me, but I’ve been training hard and I’m confident I will win. I’ve already won the English and British titles, so this is the next step for me, and after I bring that blue belt home, the World title is next.’’
‘’It has been over 10 years since Denmark last had a European Champion,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ”And on Saturday night , Dennis can write his name in the record books. It’s a massive fight, one of the biggest this country has seen for many years, and it’s a real 50-50 contest. It will be a tough test for Dennis, but I have seen him in training, he looks in great shape, and I believe he is ready.’’
The European Featherweight title fight between Dennis Ceylan and Ryan Walsh tops a blockbuster bill at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn. Rashid Kassem faces his toughest career test against British boxer Joe Murray, Abdul Khattab takes on Bartlomiej Grafka, Dina Thorslund faces Oksana Romanova, and professional debutant Mikkel Nielsen meets Andrei Dolhozhyieu.
