Unpopular opinion. Smith vs Ryder was not a clear Ryder win.

Case closed..

 

I think it's great that you are a keen fan, and obviously you get extra credit because you are a boxer yourself. But I think you are mistaken In Your scoring on a few grounds. Firstly it's wrong to give a fighter a round where his best effort is to tie up his opponent. It's fairly obvious that the guy clinching us reacting and the other guy is taking the initiative. The clincher doesn't win those rounds, the guy forcing him to clinch does. (I know clinching is a real skill and my man Ali was s last master at it, but still).
Also Smith did not "get his work off at distance" as you say. He missed way too much and was largely ineffective. Ryder put in a clinic on how to deal with a bigger opponent while not taking punishment doing it.
Ryder has pasty white skin complexion. The type that marks up very easily if hit at all. His unmarked face really is significant in this context.
On all grounds..defence, offence, body punching, dominating the space etc etc Ryder was the boss in there.
I know you're not saying Smith won as such, and a draw is not a ridiculously inaccurate interpretation of the fight from a relatively casual fan, but it is at the very extreme margin of what is acceptable as a verdict, and certainly not a verdict that a truly knowledgeable with deep boxing knowledge would return. No offense whatsoever intended. You make your case calmly and reasonably, but with the greatest respect I do feel you've got this one wrong.

 

I had Ryder but I don't think it was a robbery.. lot of close rounds.. i might watch it back.. I'm certainly not writing Smith off because of it because along with Liam Williams Ryder is looking one of the most improved fighters in the sport since his weight change & Smith is known for having flat performances too.. it was also a great fight.. lets not forget that, give both props.. Smith showed he has a chin & can bite down.. but he'll definitely need to improve.. he's been too inactive & dined out on his laurels somewhat.. sack Hearn off & go to America.. I remember watching zaggers, Froch, Eubank etc have hard nights with men the they should have beaten comfortably so it's not a huge deal.. it happens.. look at Ward versus Boone & Bika.. fair play to Ryder he'll come again too..

 

Basically, it needs a rematch or Smith is a hoe.