Boxing twins win again

Cromer's fighting twins Liam and Ryan Walsh got their 2009 campaigns off to winning starts - continuing the learning curve that looks set to end at the top of the boxing tree.

Cromer's fighting twins Liam and Ryan Walsh got their 2009 campaigns off to winning starts - continuing the learning curve that looks set to end at the top of the boxing tree.

Liam was a convincing first-round winner over Shaun Walton, while Ryan outpointed Sid Razak - curiously, fighting each other's opponents after the original match-ups were swapped.

'It's a great start to the year,' said trainer Graham Everett after the York Hall double on Friday.

Liam finished off Walton midway through the round, having hit the durable fighter with everything he threw.

'Walton doesn't get stopped very often, and if he does it's usually because of a cut, but Liam annihilated him,' Everett said.

'I know it only took a couple of minutes, but I was impressed with his patience and his composure. His accuracy was top-drawer and his body punching terrific. I don't think he missed with a single punch.'

Liam's a hard act to follow, but Ryan ensured that the fighting Walshes - who had brother Michael supporting them at ringside, unable to fight because of a hand injury - are still unbeaten by taking a points win over Razak.

Ryan won all four rounds, but was critical of his performance.

'He dominated from the off and did a good, composed job on him,' said Everett.

'There were small aspects that Ryan wasn't over-happy with, but he is very critical and that is what this is all about.

'It is a learning curve - there isn't much margin for error in boxing.

'Ryan is a perfectionist, he is learning his trade and this will stand him in good stead in later days.'