John Ryder has set up a clash with Callum Smith after defeating Andrey Sirotkin at The Copper Box Arena on Saturday. The Brit took his time but managed to break the 33-year old Russian.
Slow Start
Ryder started the fight a little bit slow but gradually imposed his style and in the seventh round dropped Sirotkin with a brutal body shot that proved to be too much for the experienced Russian.
The win means that Ryder, nicknamed ‘The Gorilla’, becomes mandatory challenger for Smith’s WBA ‘Super’ Super-Middleweight Title, with the bout potentially taking place at Anfield in 2019.
Knockout Punch
The cleaner boxing style of Sirotkin was causing trouble for Ryder in the early rounds of the contest, the Russian using his jab brilliantly to control the pace of the fight and prevent Ryder from finding his range.
The Islington-based boxer, began to rally in the sixth round after a head clash appeared to drive him forward and put him on the front foot.
This continued into the seventh when an uppercut sent the Russian to the canvas.
Sirotkin, a former Kick-boxing world champion was able to get back to his feet, but could not withstand the combination of punches from Ryder, who moves to 27-4 with the victory.
Ryder was in a confident mood after the fight, speaking to Sky Sports:
“On that performance I don’t win a world title, but styles make fights and I believe I can beat the best on the day.
“Against Callum Smith, you’ve got to be on you’re A game, you’ve got to be 110% and when that event comes I will be.”
Cheeseman Continues To Rise
Elsewhere on the card, Ted Cheeseman set up a potential blockbuster clash with Anthony Fowler after producing a dominant display to defeat Asinia Byfield and win the British Super-Welterweight title by unanimous decision.
Jordan Gill beat Ryan Doyle via a seventh-round stoppage to win the Commonwealth Featherweight title.
Felix Cash won the first belt of his career, defeating Stephen Danyo on points to win the WBC International Silver Middleweight title
Isaac Chamberlain managed to produce a late stoppage against Luke Watkins. Chamberlain who is 10-1 now put Watkins to the ground in the final round to clinch the win.
