Young Ryan looking forward to his big night in Torquay

The Torquay main event on December 4 will not only involve Jamie Speight and Ibrar Riyaz boxing for the International Masters light-welterweight title – there will be a third individual climbing through the ropes carrying the belt the pair are competing for, writes Peter Foley.

And the young man charged with the task is, perhaps, braver than any boxer involved on the entire Torquay card.

2010 has proved to be a traumatic year for teenager Ryan Clarkson and his family. In the Spring he was diagnosed with an orbital tumour and surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital has been followed by a lengthy routine of chemotherapy and radiotherapy that will not be concluded until later this month.

The family’s life has since revolved around his treatment at Frenchay in Bristol and Exeter Hospital. Ryan had hoped to become a boxer and even began training at Apollo ABC before facing a far more important contest – the fight for life. His elder sister, Kate, felt that something special was warranted for his 13th birthday and contacted boxing promoter Keith Mayo to see what could be arranged. And Ryan could not believe it when he opened the door at the family’s Westhill home.

Keith was there alongside Kingsteignton boxer Jamie Speight armed with the kind of presents that cannot be easily lifted off the shelf. In addition to a signed Ricky Hatton baseball cap, there were signed posters, programmes and even a pair of gloves signed by the Devon boxer. Jamie, who used to box for Apollo before turning professional, even handed over the robe he wore during his amateur days at the club.

And the reaction from the birthday boy: “Wicked!”

Trish, Ryan’s Mum, said, “My son has had a truly memorable 13th birthday and I’m really grateful to Keith and Jamie for springing the surprise. But the story does not end there! Ryan has since travelled to Cosmo Gym in Plymouth to watch several of the card’s boxers prepare for their contests. And when told that he would carry the title belt into the Riviera ring, the smile widened as he said 'Awesome'".