Wirral Muay Thai champion Joe Ryan began his MMA career with a first-round victory over Brazilian welterweight Sidney Aguero in Bolton. The 22-year-old former St Anselm’s College student had previously held WMO, WBC Muay Thai, ISKA, and Rajadmnern Stadium world titles, amassing a Muay Thai record of 78 wins, 12 losses, and one draw from 91 fights since starting at age six.
Father and Trainer Karl Ryan on the Career Change
Karl Ryan, Joe’s father and trainer at Two Brothers Gym in Birkenhead, said: “Joe decided to make the change to MMA as the time just felt right. He’d achieved everything he’d set out to do, unifying all the world titles, and this just seemed like the logical next step.”
Two Brothers Fighters Succeed in Bangkok
The day after Joe’s MMA debut, the Ryan family flew to Bangkok for fights at Rajadmnern Stadium. Liverpool University criminology student Ellie Harbour, 20, defeated Germany’s Merle Ploghoeft, 22, by unanimous decision. Joe’s younger brother Karl Jnr, 19, then knocked out Moroccan Oussama Dadda, 22, in the first round.
Karl Jnr’s Winning Streak
Karl Jnr’s record now stands at 11 wins and one defeat from 12 fights. In August, he beat Rio Johnson for the WMO Super Lightweight British Title in Liverpool, and in September he overcame Italian Thristan Massobrio to win the WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight International Title.
Teenager Ella Evans Wins Gold
Birkenhead teenager Ella Evans, 14, also traveled to Bangkok for the WBC Junior World Championships and returned with a gold medal. The Birkenhead High School Academy pupil said: “Where do I start? Every early morning, every tough session, every setback and every bit of hard work was worth it for this moment. Winning in Thailand, the home of Muay Thai, makes it even more amazing. Thank you Lisa (Hough-Smith) and Richard (Smith) for picking me to represent England. I’m still so emotional!”
Two Brothers Gym Classes
Two Brothers Muay Thai gym in Birkenhead offers regular classes for adults and children aged five and above. For more information, visit 2BrothersMuayThai.com or call 07816 972453.
