Sandy Ryan Wins WBO Title; Zelfa Barrett & Jordan Thompson Get Impressive Wins
In a WBO welterweight title fight, Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2KO) captured the vacant title with a unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2KO)
After a slow start, Ryan used superior footwork and the jab to take control of the fight early. She was landing quick punches through the gloves of Houle that forced her up against the ropes. Once against the ropes, Ryan went to work applying the pressure and attacking the body of Houle. The visiting Canadian fought back in the middle rounds by landing some good overhand rights. However, Ryan regained control of the fight with uppercuts and body shots that hurt Houle a few times.
Ryan fought possessed down the stretch as she started coming forward with tremendous pressure. She was trapping Houle against the ropes before going on a furious body and head attack. Everything was working as she kept on the gas pedal until the final bell. The three judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93 in favor of Ryan. During the post-fight interview, she quickly called for unified champion Jessica McCaskill for unification.
ZELFA BARRETT IMPRESSES IN SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK FIGHT AGAINST JASON SANCHEZ
Junior lightweight Zelfa “Brown Flash” Barrett (29-2, 16KO) got back in the winning column after soundly defeating the tough Jason Sanchez (16-4, 9KO) Barrett is coming off a brutal knockout stoppage for the vacant IBF title against Shavkat Rakhimov on November 2022.
From the beginning of the fight, it was a different Barrett fans were seeing as he fought well off the front foot and built everything off the jab. Furthermore, his combinations, footwork, and counterpunching were too much for Sanchez, who had trouble mounting an offensive sequence.
In the sixth round, Barrett landed a straight right hand that saw Sanchez hit the canvas and get up quickly before voluntarily going back down to a knee. As the fight continued, it was like a glorified sparring session as Barrett hit his opponent with everything, including the kitchen sink. When the final bell sounded, the three judges scored it 119-108, 118-110, and 116-111 in favor of Brown Flash. 3Kings Boxing agrees with the middle card. Barrett walks away with the WBA Continental title and a possible second shot at a world title next.
JORDAN THOMPSON BEATS DOWN LUKE WATKINS WITH BODY SHOTS
In a cruiserweight showdown, rising prospect Jordan Thompson (15-0, 12KO) picked up a solid victory over Luke Watkins (16-3, 11KO).
The fight started slowly as both men were looking to establish the jab. Thompson was getting caught by overhand rights by the more experienced Watkins. Moreover, he was having trouble catching the timing of Watkins, who was using the angles and combination punches that kept Thompson off balance early in the fight.
Jordan finally settled down and found a home with punishing hooks to the body that changed the tide of the fight. He remained focused with an all-out assault on the body, dropping Watkins from a brutal left hook. Watkins got up and fought back bravely but was put down again by another debilitating body shot that forced the referee to stop the fight in the sixth round. It was the much-needed performance Thompson needed. He retained the IBF European title while proving he is ready for the next level.
