Smith Controversially Survives Ryder

Not many expected John Ryder to put up much a fight against Callum Smith in their WBA (Super) super middleweight title bout. But by the fight’s end, many felt the scorecards didn’t give the challenger enough credit.

Smith defeated Ryder via decision to retain the championship in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card held in Liverpool, England.

The fight began with a feeling-out process, but over the first few rounds, Ryder managed to get an early edge. He successfully landed on the inside, while his defense troubled Smith to start, making him miss many different times.

By the end of the third, Smith found and worked his jab, but Ryder came out firing in the fourth and opened a small cut near Smith’s right eye. Smith let his hands go over the next couple of rounds, but by the seventh, Ryder was backing him up against the ropes.

This is heating up! 🔥

How are you scoring this as we head into round six? 🤔 #SmithRyder pic.twitter.com/asIqtjPOP8

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 23, 2019

Ryder came to play 😳#SmithRyder pic.twitter.com/N1XpTVAu47

— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) November 23, 2019

After a couple of more close rounds, the 10th saw Ryder pressure Smith more around the ring. Smith emptied his tank in the 11th round, but Ryder continued to deliver, and Ryder mopped the floor with him in the 12th.

🛎 Round 11 coming up! #SmithRyder 👑 pic.twitter.com/3aBSrZntJv

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 23, 2019

Despite the opinions of the boxing community, Smith won on all three judges scorecards, 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.