Ryan Walsh is in the perfect place for one of the biggest fights of his long career.

Trainer Graham Everett has worked with the 38-year-old since his pro debut in 2008 and will be in his corner at Wembley on Saturday (December 7), when the man from Cromer comes up against Sam Noakes.

At stake is a collection of lightweight division baubles – the British and Commonwealth belts, which currently belong to Noakes, as well as the WBO International title. 

“Talking to (twin brother) Liam and the team this morning, he just looks so comfortable in there,” said Everett. “He's in really, really good form. Everything he's been doing is really good. I don't like using the word, but he’s had back-to-back camps. His last fight went one round, but all the preparation for that has just basically rolled into the next preparation. A similar sort of preparation and style wise, so you couldn't have asked for anything different. The time scale is good, preparation is good and Ryan’s in a good place.”

Walsh demolished Reece Mould inside a round in September, putting his opponent down three times – a performance which helped secure him the 36th fight of an illustrious career.

“He certainly made a statement that night and probably, to be fair, that statement has probably helped him get this fight,” said Everett.

“He was back in here the week after – it’s just a lifestyle and it's a lifestyle he doesn't go off, and couldn’t go off if he wanted the box again.

“He definitely wanted to box before Christmas and this one has come out and this is a brilliant opportunity. It's a great fight and a great bill.

“We're heavy underdogs, we know that, but we like that, that's what we like.

“Sam Noakes is a good fighter. I've been watching him for a while. He’s very strong, a very good puncher, got a good amateur pedigree - you can't criticise him.

“He's a very good fighter out of a good gym.

“But what you've got here is two fighters who I know are both prepared to go to the well and they will do. It's going to be a great fight.”

Noakes has 14 knockouts in a clean 15-0 record, but comes up against a man renowned for his brilliant defensive skills.

“Ryan is a clever, defensive fighter,” said Everett. “His defence is immaculate. And I'll say it again, he’s probably the best defensive fighter I've ever worked with. His knack of getting out of the way of shots, these little things… you can't teach, that you can only encourage it. That's all I can do as a coach, or we do as a team, is encourage his movement, encourage his feet, encourage his top half movement.”

Walsh, a former long-time holder of the British featherweight title, says this is as excited as he has ever been for a fight – a view endorsed by Everett.

“I believe that because I've been watching him day in day out – he is really excited,” he said.