John Ryder took one step closer to another title on Saturday.
The Londoner had beaten Zach Parker previously unbeaten when Parker dropped out after four rounds of a scheduled 12-round super-middleweight bout because of an injured right hand at The O2 in Ryder’s hometown.
The “temporary” WBO title is at stake, which means Ryder is now next to face champ Canelo Alvarez.
Who will call this?!
Zack Parker had to withdraw after the fourth round due to a hand injury.@_John_Ryder_ was awarded the victory.#ParkerRyder pic.twitter.com/7IZJ89jaA0
— Boxing on BT Sport (@BTSportBoxing) November 26, 2022
Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) lost his first title fight, when he was trailed by then-championship Callum Smith in 2019. However, he came back. to win four straight games, including the split decision against Daniel Jacobs on his most recent outing.
Saturday’s game was over, as Ryder pushed for action while the sportier Parker (22-1, 16 KOs) used his grip and movement to keep his game going.
Neither man was able to gain an advantage in the relatively peaceful skirmish as Park emerged from this corner after Round 4 to indicate that his hand was injured and he could not continue.
Ryder looked stunned at the end of the match but soon began to celebrate.
Why not? He will be the contender to face off against arguably the sport’s biggest star in a match that could change his career, a la Dmitry Bivol.
Alvarez, recovering from a wrist injury, wants to face Bivol in a rematch in September. That leaves the opportunity for an opponent in May, when the Mexicans usually fight.
Ryder will certainly be among those that Alvarz considers.
