Ryder to give Rocky a horror show
Gorilla looks the value vs local hero
Fight fans have a cracking domestic dust-up at the Echo Arena, Liverpool on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports. John Ryder and Rocky Fielding decide the British super middleweight title, currently vacant, in what will prove a real crossroads battle for both warriors.
Ryder-Fielding is just one part of a busy night of pugilism, and you can bet on every round and result right here at Coral. Click now to place your boxing bets and accumulators, or read on as we cast our expert eye over what, on paper, looks a 50/50 bout for the Londsdale belt.
Underdog brings plenty of bite
Londoner John Ryder travels north with a record reading 24 wins against three defeats, making him marginally the more experienced man. Since making his paid bow back in 2010, the popular southpaw has picked up WBO Intercontinental, WBA International and IBF international titles, and went the distance with world champion Billy Joe Saunders for British and Commonwealth gongs at the Copperbox back in 2013.
28-year-old ‘Gorilla’ was last seen beating the talented Adam Etches on points from the vacant IBF International, stretching his recent record to four wins from five. Each of those ticks have come on the scorecards, and punters may want to keep that in mind when playing the method of victory market, Ryder priced as an 11/4 shot, while the fight to go the distance offers a bit of a safety net at 8/13.
Ryder brings a 44 per cent knockout average into this one, and that has been factored in to his price for a KO/TKO win, Coral taking bets at 7/1. A win, regardless of how he achieves it on the night, can be added to your selections and multiples at 7/4.
Rocky looking for another early night
Liverpool-born Rocky Fielding shows the better form on paper, stepping into the ring with a CV reading 23 fights against just one defeat. That sole loss came in a savage first round knockout at this venue in November 2015. Coming at the fists of the all-conquering Callum Smith, it’s easy to forgive.
Both men went toe-for-toe that evening, which looked a dangerous tactic against a puncher of Smith’s pedigree, and that was certainly the case, Fielding down three times in the first round. He would’ve learned from his mistakes.
Novak Djokovic lookalike Rocky Fielding bounced back with a pair of wins, over Christopher Rebrasse for the WBC International title and he kept warm with a second-round TKO win vs Istvan Zeller last time. Another stoppage is 6/4 favourite, a shade more likely than the points cheer at 2/1. Fielding is favourite to claim the fight at 4/9.
Take the value in a close fight
This is a treat for followers of the domestic scene. A good case could be made for either fighter. There’s a lot to like about Rocky Fielding, I’ve followed his progress since that famous Prizefighter win, but as a punter we take a chance on the outsider at the nice price.
Ryder has been in the bigger fights throughout his career, that match with Billy Joe Saunders a particular highlight, and I’m happy to take a chance on that experience paying off at the 7/4. Win this and it would propel the Londoner towards the big nights at super middleweight.
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