John Ryder vs. Bilal Akkawy - 4 May 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ryder has a new opponent.

Akkawy (20-0-1, 16KOs) replaces former middleweight titlist David Lemieux, who suffered an injury during training camp and was forced to withdraw from the show. The unbeaten boxer—who turns 26 in May—was already in training with Alvarez’s camp in San Diego for a showcase fight on a May 2 card in Las Vegas, but willingly stepped up to accept the late assignment and what will serve as the biggest opportunity of his young career.
His name came up as a potential replacement in efforts to keep Ryder (27-4, 15KOs)—the current mandatory challenger to WBA 168-pound champ Callum Smith—on the card and in an interim title fight.

Winner will still be in line for WBA champion Callum Smith.

[brilo33]

Think Ryder will stop him

[leejonesjnr]

Think Ryder will stop him

Who have you seen him box?

[PredatorHayds]

Ive got Ryder points.

[brilo33]

Who have you seen him box?

His last 3 fights Ryder has been brilliant. When Ryder fought BJ's he did well. If it was leunoux different story.but this aus guy ain't on par

[leejonesjnr]

His last 3 fights Ryder has been brilliant. When Ryder fought BJ's he did well. If it was leunoux different story.but this aus guy ain't on par

Nooooo who have you seen Akkawy box?

[Londonirish]

Nooooo who have you seen Akkawy box?

Have you seen him box Lee?

His record aint strong 20-0-1 and was having a tight fight with Hope and would of been one of the best fighters his boxed.
imo I think Ryder stops him an all.

[bigped]

Anyone seen much of the Aussie ? Is there a potential upset on the cards ?

[jamamb]

His last 3 fights Ryder has been brilliant. When Ryder fought BJ's he did well. If it was leunoux different story.but this aus guy ain't on par

didnt think he looked that good last fight, actually had him losing until the stoppage.he was good before those though

this will be a competitive fight , either could win

[KiwiRider]

Anyone seen much of the Aussie ? Is there a potential upset on the cards ?

Wish I could say I have. But nah mate, we used to get a fair bit of Aussie boxing. I've seen Murdock and Dunn, but not this guy.

[Elpidiphor]

Wish I could say I have. But nah mate, we used to get a fair bit of Aussie boxing. I've seen Murdock and Dunn, but not this guy.

IMO this guy is far better than Murdock and especialy Dunn. This two wouldn't have anu decent chanses against Gorilla Ryder (who is realy good fighter) but Akkawy has.

[brilo33]

come on john ring walk now

[skanksta]

"The Gorilla" vs "The Beast"

This should be a brutal inside fight - almost like Thai Boxing..

[brilo33]

well done john getting better every fight

[Elpidiphor]

well done john getting better every fight

Is fight already finished?

[Elpidiphor]

What result??

[brilo33]

ryder ko 3rd

[skanksta]

Bilal looked strong, powerful and with a good chin, but his boxing was painfully below the level of Ryder - who is finally fulfilling his early promise.
Shows how important it is to fight at the right weight - Ryder looks pretty tiny @ SMW but he's banging them out in style just below title level.

[Elpidiphor]

ryder ko 3rd

Thank you, mate!

[leejonesjnr]

Have you seen him box Lee?

His record aint strong 20-0-1 and was having a tight fight with Hope and would of been one of the best fighters his boxed.
imo I think Ryder stops him an all.

No I haven't, that is why I was wondering what contests lead someone to predict a stoppage loss.
I have had a quick look at his record and he has been operating at a lower level than Ryder but there is no suggestion that he has been hurt along the way.

[Stuarty]

No I haven't, that is why I was wondering what contests lead someone to predict a stoppage loss.
I have had a quick look at his record and he has been operating at a lower level than Ryder but there is no suggestion that he has been hurt along the way.

Suppose it could go either way! Padded record and gets found out or wins and looks a world beater. Personally I'd opt for the former.

[3132DW]

well done john getting better every fight

2 year ago you would never had seen Ryder beating Sirotkin, Nielsen, Cox and Akaway - never in million years - fair play he’ll get good pay day from Smith fight and set himself up for life.

[bigped]

Good solid win and stoppage for the gorilla last night , deserves his pay day against smith , but smith will
Be too big and good for John

[Ruthless-RKO]

[samwbr]

Was this on the sky coverage?