First loss was a harsh lesson for Somerset's Ryan Wheeler
Ryan Wheeler
FROME’s Ryan Wheeler says he his first professional defeat taught him a lifelong lesson as he looks to bounce back with a win when he steps back into the ring next month.
The 26-year-old is set to feature on the Sanigar Events Card in Bristol on Saturday 29th February.
Wheeler, who has a record of 15-1-1, last fought in his hometown of Frome in July 2019, where he suffered a knockout defeat to Jose Ramos Savin.
Reflecting on the bout, Wheeler says he was taught a harsh lesson just over six months ago and has gone back to basics ahead of his next contest.
“For this next fight, I just need to rebuild, get another win under my belt and then go from there,” said Wheeler, who also revealed he will be moving up in weight for next month’s show.
“The defeat didn’t impact my ranking too much but we are looking to go back to the drawing board a little bit.
“In the last fight, I think I played up to the crowd, I got into the ring and perhaps I wasn’t fully switched on.
“I had 300 people there just for me which was incredible but maybe it distracted me more than anything else.
“This year I want to give boxing a good go, I want it to be my main priority. Last year I did a few triathlons after my last fight but now my full focus is on boxing.
“Now I see that loss as a lesson, it’s only a mistake if I keep doing it over again so now I’m training hard for a win in February.”
Wheeler cited a difficult lead up to his last contest as the reason behind moving up in weight, with a final decision on whether he will be boxing at lightweight or super-lightweight still to be made.
Despite being unsure on his weight category, the 26-year-old is sure it’s the right decision as he already feels the benefit as he prepares for next month.
“I think lightweight or super-lightweight will be more of a natural weight for me. When I was at super-featherweight I was cutting out almost all of my water,” he added.
“I feel like I am just going to be stronger at this weight and it’s another thing I don’t need to worry about. I’ll be able to get on the scales and be confident, eat well and feel healthy.
“The one thing I did notice leading up to my last fight was I would wake up and I’d have no energy and I’d really be aching but now I feel ready in the morning because I’m eating well.”
