Zach Parker and John Ryder Battle for the Right to Challenge Canelo
On November 26, fans will pack the O2 arena to watch top super middleweights Zach Parker (22-0, 16KO) and John “The Gorilla” Ryder (31-5, 15KO) collide for the right to face the undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN at 2PM ET.
THE YOUNG BULL VERSUS THE OLD BULL
The 28-year-old Parker comes into the fight with the height and reach advantage. Furthermore, he holds an edge in power, with the ability to box behind an educated jab. Parker likes to keep the fight at mid-range and uses his footwork to provide angles to land the overhand right and left hook.
Parker goes to the body early and often with debilitating left and right hooks. Furthermore, he knows how to take that half-inch step back before landing the right uppercut. Parker has been out of the ring for over a year dealing with two disappointing failed fights with former WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade.
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The Gorilla has seen this movie before – fighting against a taller opponent with significant advantages. In 2019, he took on WBC champion Callum Smith in a fight many boxing enthusiasts believe he should have gotten the nod in. On February 12, Ryder pulled off the upset victory over two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs.
Ryder is a crafty veteran that despite being undersized, knows how to get inside the arm reach of taller fighters. The southpaw elder statesman likes using feints and constant movement before attacking with a barrage of punches. He is good at cutting off the ring and looks to land the uppercut whenever at close range.
PREDICTION
The fight will start off in the center of the ring, where Parker will land the jab and start going to the body. Ryder warms up in the middle rounds with the straight left hand and uppercuts at close quarters.
In the end, this author sees Parker winning the fight by unanimous decision. His overall movement, work-rate, body punching, and power will ultimately carry the day.
By: Garrisson Bland
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