I'm glad I scrolled thru the Foxsports channels b/c it didn't occur to me this one was on until just before it started. But I managed to catch it. Glad I saw it for myself b/c a fight like this you needed to in order to understand what unfolded. Not so long ago (okay, maybe a while ago) fights out of Britain were largely irrelevant. But nowdays, it's a must being able to watch them. Backing a winner on an early Sunday morning show is a spiritual experience for me (although I didn't today). I haven't ordered the Deontay v Ortiz PPV b/c I need to do some things this afternoon. I'll be following the result with interest though & might end up taking it if I get some things done between now & then. I've got a small wager on Ortiz (just b/c of the odds & what happened last time) but I'm not expecting to collect. Hope you enjoy it & pick the winner.
Umm. I commented about his skills. I am very impressed is well. He was blocking, parrying and slipping a lot Smiths shots. Very impressed. I feel bad for the guy he won that.
Well...the official decision was comprehensive. Obviously would like to see Ryder vs Smith II, but I'd settle for Ryder vs any of the 168lb titleholders. He;s fully deserved that, at the very least, based on his performance.
They're just marketing Smith cos he's got loads of scousers behind him. He's actually really dull and clearly limited. Ryder is a much better fighter to watch with his movement and constant pressure - he just doesn't have a ready made fan based like Smith. Sucks to be a boxing fan right now.
im no Smith fanboy.....and this looked a robbery but why do so many people assume a bad performance against an underdog guarantees getting smashed up by the other top guys in the division ? Smith probably does better against taller rangier guys than Ryder.....and lets give Ryder props ... he has improved in recent fights that said....I was never that sold on Smith....good amateur ...good fundamentals.....huge at the weight but his best win was against a Groves who essentially had a fight against time to recover from a dislocated shoulder after this robbery would still like to see smith against a top guy to once and for all if he is for real..... he kinda deserves it after spending so long as a contender....and one dodgy decision win shouldnt define a career should it ? froch v direll ???
There are many of us who've recognized his talent and appreciated his skills. However, conversely, many have been guilty of underrating him too. His record is very deceptive with all those robberies on it.
@CST80 @ellerbe @Pimp C I think we can all agree it would put a pretty smile on our faces to see Canelo KTFO Callum Smith in a vicious manner.
As much as it pains me to say that. Yes, definitely. The only thing that would please me more, is if Ryder managed to viciously KO Canelo and get his belt one by proxy.
Just got in & haven't had time to watch.. but going by social media Ryder performed out of his skin & Smith really under performed.. but I'll reserve judgment.. Fair play to Ryder regardless though.. I'm surprised it seems to be controversial & close.. I'll score it tomorrow