WBA super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) will defend against mandatory challenger John “The Gorilla” Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on November 23, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Callum Smith: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to return to Liverpool as world champion to defend my titles. It’s always been a dream of mine to bring world championship boxing to the city and hopefully this is the first of a big run of fights here.
‘My last three fights have been on the road in Germany, Saudi Arabia and New York and whilst they have been incredible experiences, there is nothing quite like a big fight night in Liverpool. It’s also pleasing that I get to be involved in a domestic fight against a tough opponent in John Ryder.
“He has fought his way to mandatory challenger and is on a big run of knockout wins that make him full of confidence. I’m working hard in camp to be at my best and make a statement as we head into a huge 2020. Right now the focus is on Ryder and defending my belts in style in my city on November 23.”
John Ryder: “I’m buzzing to be fighting for the full world title. I’ve worked hard to get myself into the mandatory position and keep myself there. I feel like I’m in the form of my life and this opportunity has come at the perfect time. Callum Smith is a great opponent and a great champion but I feel unbeatable at the moment.
“He’s an undefeated World Champion and he hasn’t put a foot out of line so far, so I know what I’m up against on November 23. With the form that I’m in now, I believe that I can beat anyone. I’m confident that I’ll get it right on the night and get the victory.
“People will see me beating Callum as a big upset but I don’t see it like that. I believe that I’ve got the ability to win and that’s what I plan to do. This is the chance that I’ve taken. I’m heading into the lion’s den to get the win and shatter his Anfield dreams.”
John Ryder is a good fighter and has produced a few memorable fights. He will give a good account of himself in this fight. However, I don’t believe he’s on Smith’s level. I expect a hard fight but Smith will prevail by decision or late round KO.
couldn’t have said it any better myself
I would like to buy into this as well!
No decision here Augustin. Ryder will get knocked out inside five rounds. Bank on it.
Ryder is a decent fight and is a mandatory for Callum to keep his WBA title which he will need for negotiations with Benavidez. I’m almost certain that Benavidez will fight Caleb Plant next in a unification fight. Hopefully Haymon can work with Hearn for one fight to make Benavidez versus Smith after Plant is out of the picture.