Sports Features

Michael, Liam and Ryan Walsh are to make their professional boxing debuts on the same bill at London's ExCel Arena on Saturday, 2 February, 2008.

The trio, who fight respectively at Flyweight, Featherweight and Bantamweight, will fight on the undercard of Amir Khan's WBO Inter-Continental Title fight against Martin Kristjansen.

The brothers have had success at amateur level, with Michael taking the senior ABA title in 2006, while the twins have both been unlucky losers at the same level in their own division.

The news has prompted comparisons with famous East End gangsters the Kray brothers, as twins Reggie and Ronnie fought on the same bill as older brother Charlie at the Royal Albert Hall in 1951.

Trainer Graham Everett has been responsible for preparing the brothers for their big night, he says the comparisons with the Krays ends in the ring.

"They're good boys, they're lively boys trust me, but they are on the right side of the law," he said.

"They are very good, top amateurs and I'm pretty sure if they work hard they'll be top professionals as well and to get all three on the same bill, especially at their weights, is brilliant," he added.

Sibling rivalry

The brothers, who were born in Rotherham, insist they all have their own qualities, but each laughingly name themselves when asked who's the best.

Ryan says the sibling rivalry has helped them be better fighters.

"We get the best out of each other without a shadow of a doubt, it's always a competition," he said.

"When it comes to the show, as much as we want each other to win, it'll all be down to who looks best, it'll be a competition on the night again," he added.