Woodhouse can open doors to the top on Friday night

Less than four months after wowing a gobsmacked audience at Rotherham's Magna Centre against Dale Miles, Driffield's Curtis Woodhouse returns to the setting of his brutal five round epic hoping for a change of fortune after falling to the heavy fists of his Derby rival. 

This time around, the former footballer faces another East Midlands entertainer as Dave Ryan makes the same journey as Miles in an attempt to capture the vacant English 10st title.

"Curtis has earned himself a reputation as an entertainer and that reputation was massively enhanced back in June against Miles," said promoter Dave Coldwell.

"Curtis needs a win following his last setback but he only knows one way to fight and that way guarantees excitement every time he gets into the ring.

"In Dave Ryan, he goes in with another rough and ready fighter and I'm certain that their respective styles will clash perfectly to give the Rotherham crowd another fantastic night.

"I get excited every time I put on a show because I love the job I do but this fight has given me that little bit more of a buzz. I just can't wait for that first bell to go."

Woodhouse's belt battle with Ryan signifies the huge strides taken by the former Sheffield Utd and Birmingham City midfielder who turned from football in 2006.

Expectations for Woodhouse to operate within domestic championship class were non-existent and unfortunate setbacks at crucial times have hampered the Yorkshireman's genuine title aspirations. With gutsy showings against Miles, and star amateur, Frankie Gavin, Coldwell firmly believes that all of Woodhouse's previous shortcomings will ensure he is stronger this time around.

"From the moment I first saw Curtis, I knew he had what it takes to win a British title and I'll stop at nothing to try and make that dream come true," said Coldwell.

"This English title fight is massive for Curtis and if he goes in there and performs how I know he can perform then it's time for everyone to stand up and admit they got it wrong about Curtis.

"He'll no longer be Curtis Woodhouse the ex-footballer; he'll be Curtis Woodhouse, the English light-welterweight champion. This belt can open so many doors for Curtis and if they don't open then we'll certainly be knocking them down. I'm convinced that it's only a matter of time before he becomes British champion."