Callum Smith narrowly emerged victorious in a highly contentious battle against John Ryder, with the fight's decision sparking much debate and controversy. The super middleweight clash, held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, showcased the contrasting styles and determination of both fighters. Smith, the defending WBA super middleweight champion, faced a tough challenge from the relentless pressure and aggression of Ryder, leading to a closely contested bout.
From the opening bell, Smith utilized his reach advantage and showcased his boxing skills, attempting to keep Ryder at bay. However, Ryder's relentless pressure and effective body shots kept Smith on his toes throughout the fight. Both fighters had their moments of success, with Smith landing cleaner shots and showcasing his technical ability, while Ryder's aggression and inside fighting made an impact.
In the end, the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Smith, although many spectators and boxing enthusiasts expressed their disagreement with the verdict. The close nature of the fight and the heated debate surrounding the decision left fans clamoring for a potential rematch between the two fighters. Regardless of the controversy, Smith's victory allows him to retain his WBA title and sets the stage for potential future matchups in the super middleweight division.
