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Zach Parker Suffers Broken Hand As John Ryder Moves Towards Canelo Fight

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 26th November 2022.

Zach Parker and John Ryder

John Ryder has perhaps secured the biggest fight of his career with a victory over Zach Parker in London’s O2 Arena.

Following some great action in the first four rounds, Parker made the tough decision to pull out of the fight due to injury. It came following a great end to the fourth from Ryder, starting with a left hook which was the best shot of the fight.

Parker’s broken hand means that Ryder takes the interim WBO super middleweight title and, perhaps more importantly, a ticket to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez for the undisputed titles.

Despite the contest meeting a disappointing end, the Londoner had certainly done enough to not feel like it was gifted to him. In fact, many fans on social media had him up three round to one at the time of the stoppage.

Parker was visibly upset on the broadcast as he presented a shaky and broken hand to the camera. He still managed to compliment his opponent.

“I’m obviously absolutely gutted, but he’s a good lad and he’ll go on and do good things in boxing. Obviously I’ll come back stronger.”

As for Ryder, he’s ready to step up and finish his career on the ultimate high.

“Zach started, he got behind the jab well, he was moving well. He was peppering me a bit there, but I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top.”

“Zach’s a good fighter. He’s obviously got an injury to heal, but the door’s there for him to come again and I’m sure he will.”

“Listen, I’m standing pretty now. It would be dream to fight Canelo on Cinco De Mayo or whenever, wherever. But, it’s a great win for me tonight and whether it be fighting Canelo or being upgraded to full champion, then so be it.”

The Canelo fight now looks likely, with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom keen to bring the Mexican superstar to the UK in May.