Tag: Zach Parker

John Ryder defeats Zack Parker after countryman quits with injury

John Ryder defeated Zack Parker after his countryman quit with an injured right hand Saturday in London.

John Ryder moved a step closer to another title shot on Saturday.

The Londoner defeated previously unbeaten Zach Parker when Parker quit 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 WBO “interim” title was at stake, which means Ryder is now next in line to face champion Canelo Alvarez.

Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) came up short in his first title fight, when he was outpointed by then-champ Callum Smith in 2019. However, he bounced back to win four consecutive fights, including a split decision over Daniel Jacobs in his most recent outing.

The fight on Saturday was close, as Ryder pushed the action while the more athletic Parker (22-1, 16 KOs) used his stick-and-move style to hold his own.

Neither man was able to gain an advantage in the relatively uneventful fight when Park emerged from this corner after Round 4 to indicate that his hand was injured and he couldn’t continue.

Ryder seemed stunned that the fight ended the way it did but soon began celebrating.

Why not? He’ll be a candidate to face arguably the biggest star in the sport in a fight that could change his career, a la Dmitry Bivol.

Alvarez, recovering from his own wrist injury, wants to face Bivol in a rematch in September. That leaves an opening for an opponent in May, when the Mexican typically fights.

Ryder undoubtedly will be among those Alvarz considers.

John Ryder defeats Zack Parker after countryman quits with injury

John Ryder defeated Zack Parker after his countryman quit with an injured right hand Saturday in London.

John Ryder moved a step closer to another title shot on Saturday.

The Londoner defeated previously unbeaten Zach Parker when Parker quit 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 WBO “interim” title was at stake, which means Ryder is now next in line to face champion Canelo Alvarez.

Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) came up short in his first title fight, when he was outpointed by then-champ Callum Smith in 2019. However, he bounced back to win four consecutive fights, including a split decision over Daniel Jacobs in his most recent outing.

The fight on Saturday was close, as Ryder pushed the action while the more athletic Parker (22-1, 16 KOs) used his stick-and-move style to hold his own.

Neither man was able to gain an advantage in the relatively uneventful fight when Park emerged from this corner after Round 4 to indicate that his hand was injured and he couldn’t continue.

Ryder seemed stunned that the fight ended the way it did but soon began celebrating.

Why not? He’ll be a candidate to face arguably the biggest star in the sport in a fight that could change his career, a la Dmitry Bivol.

Alvarez, recovering from his own wrist injury, wants to face Bivol in a rematch in September. That leaves an opening for an opponent in May, when the Mexican typically fights.

Ryder undoubtedly will be among those Alvarz considers.

Zach Parker vs. John Ryder: date, time, how to watch, background

Zach Parker vs. John Ryder: date, time, how to watch, background.

John Ryder and Zach Parker will face off in an important all-British super middleweight bout Saturday in London.

ZACH PARKER (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. JOHN RYDER (31-5, 17 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: 02 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
  • Division: Super middleweights (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Parker 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. River Wilson-Bent, middleweights; Pierce O’Leary vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela, super middleweights; Dennis McCann vs. Joe Ham, junior featherweights; Sam Noakes vs. Calvin McCord, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ryder SD
  • Background: Parker and Ryder, ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by the WBO, will be fighting for the sanctioning body’s “interim” title and the right to face champion Canelo Alvarez. Ryder, who has made a strong impression against elite opponents in recent years, faces another stiff challenge in his hometown. The 34-year-old lost a unanimous decision to then-titleholder Callum Smith in 2019 but he pushed his respected countryman to his limits. And he upset Daniel Jacobs by a split decision in his most recent fight, this past February, proving that he belongs among the best 168-pounders. Parker, a 28-year-old from central England, is a well-schooled boxer-puncher. He has looked sensational in recent fights – stopping his last five opponents – but Ryder represents a step up in opposition. We’ll learn a lot about Parker in this fight.

[lawrence-related id=28163,3131]

Zach Parker vs. John Ryder: date, time, how to watch, background

Zach Parker vs. John Ryder: date, time, how to watch, background.

John Ryder and Zach Parker will face off in an important all-British super middleweight bout Saturday in London.

ZACH PARKER (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. JOHN RYDER (31-5, 17 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: 02 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
  • Division: Super middleweights (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Parker 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. River Wilson-Bent, middleweights; Pierce O’Leary vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela, super middleweights; Dennis McCann vs. Joe Ham, junior featherweights; Sam Noakes vs. Calvin McCord, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ryder SD
  • Background: Parker and Ryder, ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by the WBO, will be fighting for the sanctioning body’s “interim” title and the right to face champion Canelo Alvarez. Ryder, who has made a strong impression against elite opponents in recent years, faces another stiff challenge in his hometown. The 34-year-old lost a unanimous decision to then-titleholder Callum Smith in 2019 but he pushed his respected countryman to his limits. And he upset Daniel Jacobs by a split decision in his most recent fight, this past February, proving that he belongs among the best 168-pounders. Parker, a 28-year-old from central England, is a well-schooled boxer-puncher. He has looked sensational in recent fights – stopping his last five opponents – but Ryder represents a step up in opposition. We’ll learn a lot about Parker in this fight.

[lawrence-related id=28163,3131]

Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda: date, time, how to watch, background

Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda: date, time, how to watch, background.

Former beltholder Regis Prograis and longtime contender Jose Zepeda will fight for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday in Carson, California.

REGIS PROGRAIS (27-1, 23 KOs) vs. JOSE ZEPEDA (35-2, 27 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($59.99)
  • Division: Junior welterweights (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant WBC title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Prograis 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Evelyn Bermudez vs. Yokasta Valle, junior flyweights (for Bermudez’s IBF and WBO titles); Ruben Torres vs. Eduardo Estela, lightweights; Charles Conwell vs. Juan Carlos Abreu, junior middleweights; Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Curtis Harper, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Prograis UD
  • Background: This is an excellent matchup between two talented, experienced 140-pounders for a vacant major title. Prograis, a terrific all-around fighter, is a former 140-pound titleholder who lost his belt by a close decision in a unification bout with Josh Taylor in 2019. The native of New Orleans has stopped three opponents since, Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna. The McKenna fight took place in March. Zepeda is an excellent technician who can also punch and take a good shot. This will be the Los Angeles-area fighter’s third attempt to win a major title. He fell to then 135-pound titleholder Terry Flanagan by a second-round technical knockout when he dislocated his shoulder in 2015. And he lost a majority decision to then-140-pound champ Jose Ramirez in 2019, a fight some believe Zepeda deserved to win. He’s 5-0 since that setback, including victories over respected opponents Jose Pedraza, Ivan Baranchyk and Hank Lundy. Zepeda last fought in October of last year, when he stopped Josue Vargas in one round.

[lawrence-related id=34272,28866]

Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda: date, time, how to watch, background

Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda: date, time, how to watch, background.

Former beltholder Regis Prograis and longtime contender Jose Zepeda will fight for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday in Carson, California.

REGIS PROGRAIS (27-1, 23 KOs) vs. JOSE ZEPEDA (35-2, 27 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($59.99)
  • Division: Junior welterweights (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant WBC title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Prograis 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Evelyn Bermudez vs. Yokasta Valle, junior flyweights (for Bermudez’s IBF and WBO titles); Ruben Torres vs. Eduardo Estela, lightweights; Charles Conwell vs. Juan Carlos Abreu, junior middleweights; Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Curtis Harper, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Prograis UD
  • Background: This is an excellent matchup between two talented, experienced 140-pounders for a vacant major title. Prograis, a terrific all-around fighter, is a former 140-pound titleholder who lost his belt by a close decision in a unification bout with Josh Taylor in 2019. The native of New Orleans has stopped three opponents since, Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna. The McKenna fight took place in March. Zepeda is an excellent technician who can also punch and take a good shot. This will be the Los Angeles-area fighter’s third attempt to win a major title. He fell to then 135-pound titleholder Terry Flanagan by a second-round technical knockout when he dislocated his shoulder in 2015. And he lost a majority decision to then-140-pound champ Jose Ramirez in 2019, a fight some believe Zepeda deserved to win. He’s 5-0 since that setback, including victories over respected opponents Jose Pedraza, Ivan Baranchyk and Hank Lundy. Zepeda last fought in October of last year, when he stopped Josue Vargas in one round.

[lawrence-related id=34272,28866]

Fight Week: Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda to fight for vacant title; Dillian Whyte is back

Fight Week: Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda to fight for vacant title; Dillian Whyte is back.

FIGHT WEEK

Former beltholder Regis Prograis and longtime contender Jose Zepeda will fight for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday in Carson, California.

REGIS PROGRAIS (27-1, 23 KOs) vs. JOSE ZEPEDA (35-2, 27 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($59.99)
  • Division: Junior welterweights (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant WBC title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Prograis 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Evelyn Bermudez vs. Yokasta Valle, junior flyweights (for Bermudez’s IBF and WBO titles); Ruben Torres vs. Eduardo Estela, lightweights; Charles Conwell vs. Juan Carlos Abreu, junior middleweights; Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Curtis Harper, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Prograis UD
  • Background: This is an excellent matchup between two talented, experienced 140-pounders for a vacant major title. Prograis, a terrific all-around fighter, is a former 140-pound titleholder who lost his belt by a close decision in a unification bout with Josh Taylor in 2019. The native of New Orleans has stopped three opponents since, Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna. The McKenna fight took place in March. Zepeda is an excellent technician who can also punch and take a good shot. This will be the Los Angeles-area fighter’s third attempt to win a major title. He fell to then 135-pound titleholder Terry Flanagan by a second-round technical knockout when he dislocated his shoulder in 2015. And he lost a majority decision to then-140-pound champ Jose Ramirez in 2019, a fight some believe Zepeda deserved to win. He’s 5-0 since that setback, including victories over respected opponents Jose Pedraza, Ivan Baranchyk and Hank Lundy. Zepeda last fought in October of last year, when he stopped Josue Vargas in one round.

 

DILLIAN WHYTE (28-3, 19 KOs) vs. JERMAINE FRANKLIN (21-0, 14 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: OVO Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Heavyweights (no limit)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Whyte 9½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Fabio Wardley vs. Nathan Gorman, heavyweights; Craig Richards vs. Ricards Bolotniks, light heavyweights; Sandy Ryan vs. Magali Rodriguez, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Whyte KO 7
  • Background: Whyte, a 35-year-old perennial contender, begins another comeback against an unbeaten, but unproven American. The Londoner is coming off a sixth-round knockout loss to titleholder Tyson Fury this past April, his first shot at a major belt. That followed back-to-back fights against Alexander Povetkin, who stunned the boxing world by stopping Whyte with one punch in the fifth round in August 2020 and was stopped himself in the fourth round of the rematch the following March. Whyte has said he’d like to fight Anthony Joshua a second time if he can get past Franklin. Joshua handed Whyte his first loss, a seventh-round knockout in 2015. Franklin, a 29-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, has passed every test in his career but has not faced a fighter of Whyte’s stature. He last fought in May, when he stopped journeyman Rodney Moore in five rounds. This will be Franklin’s first fight outside the United States. He might have a chance to fight Joshua if he has his hand raised Saturday.

 

ZACH PARKER (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. JOHN RYDER (31-5, 17 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: 02 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
  • Division: Super middleweights (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Parker 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. River Wilson-Bent, middleweights; Pierce O’Leary vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela, super middleweights; Dennis McCann vs. Joe Ham, junior featherweights; Sam Noakes vs. Calvin McCord, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ryder SD
  • Background: Parker and Ryder, ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by the WBO, will be fighting for the sanctioning body’s “interim” title and the right to face champion Canelo Alvarez. Ryder, who has made a strong impression against elite opponents in recent years, faces another stiff challenge in his hometown. The 34-year-old lost a unanimous decision to then-titleholder Callum Smith in 2019 but he pushed his respected countryman to his limits. And he upset Daniel Jacobs by a split decision in his most recent fight, this past February, proving that he belongs among the best 168-pounders. Parker, a 28-year-old from central England, is a well-schooled boxer-puncher. He has looked sensational in recent fights – stopping his last five opponents – but Ryder represents a step up in opposition. We’ll learn a lot about Parker in this fight.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

TUESDAY

  • Mykquan Williams vs. Clarence Booth, junior welterweights, New York (FITE).

FRIDAY

  • Yulihan Luna vs. TBA, bantamweights (for Luna’s WBC title), Monterrey, Mexico (ProBox TV)

Fight Week: Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda to fight for vacant title; Dillian Whyte is back

Fight Week: Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda to fight for vacant title; Dillian Whyte is back.

FIGHT WEEK

Former beltholder Regis Prograis and longtime contender Jose Zepeda will fight for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday in Carson, California.

REGIS PROGRAIS (27-1, 23 KOs) vs. JOSE ZEPEDA (35-2, 27 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($59.99)
  • Division: Junior welterweights (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant WBC title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Prograis 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Evelyn Bermudez vs. Yokasta Valle, junior flyweights (for Bermudez’s IBF and WBO titles); Ruben Torres vs. Eduardo Estela, lightweights; Charles Conwell vs. Juan Carlos Abreu, junior middleweights; Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Curtis Harper, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Prograis UD
  • Background: This is an excellent matchup between two talented, experienced 140-pounders for a vacant major title. Prograis, a terrific all-around fighter, is a former 140-pound titleholder who lost his belt by a close decision in a unification bout with Josh Taylor in 2019. The native of New Orleans has stopped three opponents since, Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna. The McKenna fight took place in March. Zepeda is an excellent technician who can also punch and take a good shot. This will be the Los Angeles-area fighter’s third attempt to win a major title. He fell to then 135-pound titleholder Terry Flanagan by a second-round technical knockout when he dislocated his shoulder in 2015. And he lost a majority decision to then-140-pound champ Jose Ramirez in 2019, a fight some believe Zepeda deserved to win. He’s 5-0 since that setback, including victories over respected opponents Jose Pedraza, Ivan Baranchyk and Hank Lundy. Zepeda last fought in October of last year, when he stopped Josue Vargas in one round.

 

DILLIAN WHYTE (28-3, 19 KOs) vs. JERMAINE FRANKLIN (21-0, 14 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: OVO Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Heavyweights (no limit)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Whyte 9½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Fabio Wardley vs. Nathan Gorman, heavyweights; Craig Richards vs. Ricards Bolotniks, light heavyweights; Sandy Ryan vs. Magali Rodriguez, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Whyte KO 7
  • Background: Whyte, a 35-year-old perennial contender, begins another comeback against an unbeaten, but unproven American. The Londoner is coming off a sixth-round knockout loss to titleholder Tyson Fury this past April, his first shot at a major belt. That followed back-to-back fights against Alexander Povetkin, who stunned the boxing world by stopping Whyte with one punch in the fifth round in August 2020 and was stopped himself in the fourth round of the rematch the following March. Whyte has said he’d like to fight Anthony Joshua a second time if he can get past Franklin. Joshua handed Whyte his first loss, a seventh-round knockout in 2015. Franklin, a 29-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, has passed every test in his career but has not faced a fighter of Whyte’s stature. He last fought in May, when he stopped journeyman Rodney Moore in five rounds. This will be Franklin’s first fight outside the United States. He might have a chance to fight Joshua if he has his hand raised Saturday.

 

ZACH PARKER (22-0, 16 KOs) vs. JOHN RYDER (31-5, 17 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. GMT) (main event later in show)
  • Where: 02 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
  • Division: Super middleweights (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Parker 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. River Wilson-Bent, middleweights; Pierce O’Leary vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela, super middleweights; Dennis McCann vs. Joe Ham, junior featherweights; Sam Noakes vs. Calvin McCord, lightweights
  • Prediction: Ryder SD
  • Background: Parker and Ryder, ranked Nos. 1 and 2 by the WBO, will be fighting for the sanctioning body’s “interim” title and the right to face champion Canelo Alvarez. Ryder, who has made a strong impression against elite opponents in recent years, faces another stiff challenge in his hometown. The 34-year-old lost a unanimous decision to then-titleholder Callum Smith in 2019 but he pushed his respected countryman to his limits. And he upset Daniel Jacobs by a split decision in his most recent fight, this past February, proving that he belongs among the best 168-pounders. Parker, a 28-year-old from central England, is a well-schooled boxer-puncher. He has looked sensational in recent fights – stopping his last five opponents – but Ryder represents a step up in opposition. We’ll learn a lot about Parker in this fight.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

TUESDAY

  • Mykquan Williams vs. Clarence Booth, junior welterweights, New York (FITE).

FRIDAY

  • Yulihan Luna vs. TBA, bantamweights (for Luna’s WBC title), Monterrey, Mexico (ProBox TV)

Jono Carroll dominates Scott Quigg, scores 11th-round knockout

Jono Carroll scored an 11th-round stoppage of Scott Quigg at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Saturday night…

It was billed as a pick ’em fight, but junior lightweight contender Jono Carroll had other ideas.

The 27-year-old Irish southpaw started fast and never looked back en route to an 11th-round stoppage over veteran Scott Quigg on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena in the latter’s hometown of Manchester, England.

It was a veritable washout in what was easily the most significant win of Carroll’s career.

Carroll began teeing off on an injured Quigg late in Round 11, prompting Quigg’s corner to throw in the towel and forcing referee John Latham to stop the bout. The official time of stoppage was 2:14.

“I said the whole buildup to this fight I felt this was my time to show him,” Carroll (18-1-1, 5 KOs) said.

“I just feel like this is my time,” he continued. “I’m 27, almost 28. I’m gaining power. I’m feeling very good in there. There wasn’t one stage that I felt like I was gassing or I was tired. I was picking quality shots. .. And you can see him at the end, once I caught him on the ropes I still had power to whack him with. … Tonight I showed quality.”

Said Quigg (35-3-2, 26 KOs): “The better man won. Fair play to him.”

Carroll dominated from the opening bell, working behind his jab as he continually circled Quigg and landed straight lefts. He was quicker and consistently beat Quigg to the punch. Carroll’s bodywork also stood out.

Quigg, a former titleholder at junior featherweight, had few positive moments. Perhaps an 18th-month layoff had an effect on him. It may explain why he appeared so stiff and tentative in the ring. Carroll, on the other hand, had clearly shown improvement since dropping a decision to then-titleholder Tevin Farmer last March.

“Yeah, I definitely think so,” Carroll said when asked if he thought this was the best performance of his career. “I started to settle down in the gym and started to use my jab more and started to be smart. Trying not to do silly shots.”

Also, local heavyweight Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) rebounded from his loss to Alexander Povetkin with a knockout win of Pavel Sour (11-3, 6 KOs). Fury, a cousin of titleholder Tyson Fury, scored a knockdown in Round 2. He followed up with another in Round 3, which prompted Sour’s corner to throw in the towel.

Super middleweight contender Zach Parker (19-0, 13 KOs) maintained his perfect record when he dropped and then stopped Aussie Rohan Murdock (24-2, 17 KOs) in the 11th round. The official time was 2:58.

Junior middleweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 8 KOs) dropped Theophilus Tetteh (19-8-2, 12 KOs) four times en route to a first-round stoppage. This was Fowler’s first fight under new trainer Shane McGuigan, who also trains lightweight contender Luke Campbell.