Philippines, 19 Mar 2024
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


SMITH: ANFIELD DISAPPEARS IF I LOSE TO RYDER

PhilBoxing.com




Callum Smith has admitted that his 2020 Anfield dream would disappear if he were to surrender his WBA World, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles to mandatory challenger John Ryder at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday November 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Mundo’ returns home to fight in his native Liverpool for the first time since outpointing Sweden’s Erik Skoglund in September 2017 knowing that a win over his fellow Brit Ryder is vital if he is to secure a mega-fight against the likes of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez or Billy Joe Saunders next summer.

“I want the big fights, I want the superstar names and the only chance of me getting them is by having a World title, so I’ve got to keep my belt for as long as I can,” said Smith. “John Ryder poses a big threat. He wants to take what I’ve worked so hard for. I worked hard to win my World title and I’ve got to work even harder to keep it now.

“I’m expecting a tough fight from John Ryder, he’s in good shape and it’s a big opportunity for him. I just think the best version of me beats any Super-Middleweight on the planet. With the way I’ve been performing in the gym, I think I’m going to put in a big performance. You’ve got to respect him because he’s in good form. He’s won fights where he was the underdog and he wasn’t supposed to win.

“He deserves a lot of respect. He hasn’t just been picked out of a hat, he earnt the mandatory position with good wins. I respect every fighter and John especially, but like I said before I think the best version of me beats any Super-Middleweight in the World and as long as I turn up and perform the way I know I can then I think I’ll be too much for him.”

Smith (26-0, KOs 19), rated as the No 1 fighter in the 168lbs division, will fight for the first time as World Champion on home turf after blowing away Hassan N’Dam in three rounds last time out on the Anthony Joshua-Andy Ruiz Jr undercard in New York in June.

Ambitious plans are in place for Smith to fight at the home of his beloved Liverpool FC in May next year, potentially a unification clash against fellow Matchroom man Billy Joe Saunders who successfully defended his WBO title in LA last week, but Smith isn’t getting carried away and insists his focus is firmly on Ryder next week.

“This fight is like every other fight in my career, they’ve always been must-win. I always wanted to be where I am now so any loss along the way would have derailed those plans. Now people are talking about 2020 and the massive names and the thought of Anfield. All of that disappears if I lose to John Ryder.

“It’s the same motivation that I’ve always had. I always want more and I’m always wanting to see what’s next. This fight is no different, a win over Ryder opens the door for possible huge fights in 2020. A loss to Ryder and they all disappear and I become a challenger again and I join the queue. It’s a must-win fight for me and that’s all I need. As long as I’ve got a World title I’m in a very good position.”

Smith vs. Ryder tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Craig Glover (10-2, 8 KOs) takes on Chris Billam-Smith (9-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth Cruiserweight title, Anthony Fowler (10-1, 8 KOs) meets Harry Scarff (8-0, 1 KO) for the WBA International Super-Welterweight title, James Tennyson (25-3, 21 KOs) and Craig Evans (20-2-2, 3 KOs) square-off in a final eliminator for the British Lightweight title, Tom Farrell (17-2, 5 KOs) clashes with Sean Dodd (16-5-1, 3 KOs) in a must-win encounter for both men, Liverpool Light-Heavyweight talent Thomas Whittaker-Hart (3-0, 1 KO) aims to end his first year as a pro in style and Liverpool Super-Lightweight Marcus Molloy (1-0) and Skelmersdale Welterweight Tom Aitchson (1-0) both go for their second win in the pro ranks.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • TIM TSZYU NOW FACES SEBASTIAN FUNDORA ON MARCH 30 AFTER KEITH THURMAN INJURY
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • More Olympic slots for ABAP?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • Yokasta Valle: "I Will Make History for Costa Rica!"
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • RYAN: WE TRIED TO GET IT AT HER WEIGHT BUT SHE DIDN'T WANT IT
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • POPEYE RETURNS HOME: RICHIE RIVERA RETURNS IN FIGHT 4/6 AT MOHEGAN SUN
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • Toro Promotions to showcase heavyweight trio Undefeated Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava to headline, plus Alexander Flores and Kingsley Ibeh
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez shines in pro boxing debut
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • 1st Davey Chua Cup Softball League starts on March 23
    , Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • DMMA, UM top Araw volley tourney
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • Patrick Bonifacio to compete in GM Balinas Open rapid chess tournament in Robinsons Galleria
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • Hot Irish prospect Tommy Hyde remains undefeated, captures first title as a pro
    , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman in Pacquiao-Elorde Awards in Manila
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • Filipino Bernie Regalario ready for US debut
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • Tandag arnis rules Zubiri Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • IIEE captures the team and individual championships in PTC WED Fun Shoot
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • UM Davao aims to repeat as champion in Davao City Athletic Festival
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • Another One Fell to Body Punching
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • Davis' Eye Injury Spoils LAL-GS Play-In Game Preview
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • Mexico’s Green and Gold National Amateur Mega Tournament
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • DDGM’s Cup Open at Don Paco Rocamora Golf in Mati
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • SPORTS FACTS AND FIGURES 62: MANNY PACQUIAO PRACTICE VIDEO FOOTAGE HOPES FOR A FIGHT AGAINST CONOR BENN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • Another honor for D’Flash
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA SECURES A GOLDEN TICKET TO A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OPPORTUNITY AFTER TKO WIN OVER MAXI HUGHES IN
    , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • PTC WED update: PICE bowling champ, IIEE Millennial and GenX teams lead basketball tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • "MANO DE PIEDRA" DURAN HEALTH UPDATE
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 16 Mar 2024




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2024 philboxing.com.