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Eddie Hearn Gives His Honest Thoughts On Daniel Jacobs: “If He Loses To John Ryder, That’s The End Of His Career”
By: Hans Themistode
Daniel Jacobs has always found his name near the top of the middleweight division. After watching his transient IBF title reign come to an end at the hands of Canelo Alvarez in 2019, Jacobs made the move to abandon the one weight class he’s known his entire career.
As of now, the New York native has enjoyed his newfound success as a super middleweight but his performances have left much to be desired. In December of 2020, Jacobs scored a fifth-round stoppage win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In his next ring appearance, Jacobs was viewed as a heavy favorite against fringe contender Gabriel Rosado. Yet, despite the backing of the betting public, Jacobs struggled mightily with the Philadelphia native. While he would ultimately go on to pick up the split decision win, Jacobs has been embroiled in controversy as many believe Rosado was given a raw deal.
With two victories at 168 pounds now under his belt, Jacobs is set to return to the ring against John Ryder. The two are officially set to square off on February 12th, at Alexandra Palace in London.
Although Jacobs has enjoyed a long and fruitful career, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, if the former two-time middleweight champion fails to live up to his normally lofty standards, it could mean the light at the end of his boxing tunnel is within striking distance.
“For Danny Jacobs, it’s must win,” said Hearn during an interview with Matchroom Boxing. “If he loses in London to John Ryder, I think that’s the end of his career.”
For the 33-year-old Ryder, he’ll look to put further distance between himself and what he believes was a robbery during his showdown against Callum Smith in 2019. Despite Smith being tabbed as head and shoulders above his man, the former WBA 168 pound titlist was given all he could handle. Although Smith managed to retain his world title, Ryder was incredulous with the final result.
Since his controversial defeat, Ryder has reeled off two consecutive victories, including a fifth-round stoppage win over Jozef Jurko in September of 2021.
Presently, considering his recent form, Ryder will saunter into his showdown against Jacobs extremely confident. Still, while Hearn views Ryder as a live dog, he urges the super middleweight contender to look past the lackluster performance of Jacobs and take the former titleholder seriously.
“Danny Jacobs performance against Rosado was under par but Danny Jacobs is an elite super middleweight. He’s a world-class fighter and he’ll be looking to make a big statement. John Ryder will need to produce the performance of his career to beat Daniel Jacobs.”
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Daniel Jacobs Vs. John Ryder Set For February 12th Clash
By: Hans Themistode
Daniel Jacobs will look to bounce back from a subpar performance as he’s officially set to take on John Ryder.
As first reported by Sports Illustrated, both sides have agreed to a deal that will see them square off in the main event on February 12th, in London on DAZN.
Ryder, 33, will look to build upon his current two-fight win streak when he takes on Jacobs. Following his controversial unanimous decision loss to Callum Smith in November of 2019, Ryder saw his stock skyrocket. With many in boxing circles believing the rough and rugged contender did more than enough to snag the victory, Ryder has simply shrugged off the disappointing outcome to reel off two straight victories.
In September of 2021, his only appearance of the year, Ryder violently stopped journeymen Jozef Jurko in the fifth round of their showdown. Although Ryder has swapped fists with several former world champions, including Smith and former two-division titlist, Billy Joe Saunders, Jacobs figures to be quite possibly the most difficult challenge of his career.
Since watching his transient middleweight title reign come to an end at the hands of Canelo Alvarez in May of 2019, Jacobs has made a successful transition to the super middleweight division. Officially, the New York native has picked up back-to-back victories at 168 pounds. However, his most recent trip to the ring ended in controversy.
Though he was pegged as a significant favorite against fringe contender Gabriel Rosado in November of 2020, Jacobs struggled mightily throughout. Still, despite what many believed was a clear win for Rosado, Jacobs eked out a close split decision victory. Shortly after, Jacobs admitted that his contentious rivalry with Rosado clouded his better judgment in their contest, leading to his poor performance.
With Jacobs now reunited with long-time head trainer Andre Rozier, the former middleweight titlist will look to emerge as a top contender at 168 pounds with a victory over Ryder.
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John Ryder Making His Way To Dallas, Willing To Save The Day And Step In For Billy Joe Saunders Against Canelo Alvarez
By: Hans Themistode
With Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders squabbling over the size of the ring, their showdown, which was due to take place this coming Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas, is in serious jeopardy.
Realizing that the entire event could go down the drain, super middleweight contender John Ryder has thrown on his cape in an effort to save the day.
In fact, Ryder is currently flying out to Dallas as we speak.
“I was always due to go out to Dallas,” said Ryder to Sky Sports. “Eddie wanted me to get out there and do a bit of promotion, for my up and coming fight in June, so I was always heading out there. But I mean if he gives me the call, I’ll pack the gum shield and protector.”
Issues between Alvarez and Saunders came to light earlier this week. The British product was initially under the impression that their unification contest would take place in a 24 ft ring. Yet, the moment Saunders and his team were given the opportunity to examine the ring up close, they quickly realized that it was significantly smaller.
According to Tom Saunders, father of Billy Joe, team Alvarez produced an 18 ft ring. Once he balked at the idea of his son stepping into such a small ring, team Alvarez offered to increase the size by 2 ft. Still, a 20 ft ring was unsatisfactory to team Saunders. While they were of the belief that their showdown would take place in a 24 ft ring, Tom stated that at minimum, the ring would have to measure at least 22 ft. Once broached with the idea, team Alvarez grew apoplectic and gave Saunders only one option.
“They’ve said it’s either 20 foot or book your flights home,” said Tom Saunders during an interview with IFL TV. “He (Billy Joe Saunders) wants to go home. We’re not going to take this bullshit anymore.”
Regardless of team Saunders standing their ground and threatening to walk, Ryder believes that their contest is simply too close to fall apart now.
“I think it’s smoke and mirrors. I think he’s going to get what he wants. You don’t come this far in a fight to let it go at the last minute, because of a couple of foot. It’s something that should have been settled at the start of negotiations. One of the first things. Sort out your purse, sort out the ring, sort out whether you are walking first or second, or whatever. It should have been tied up ages ago.”
For Ryder, the super middleweight contender was lauded for his efforts against then, WBC titlist Callum Smith in November of 2019. While he came up short on the scorecards, many who watched their contest believed he did more than enough to walk away with the win.
Given how much Ryder enjoys getting into a brawl, the smaller ring wouldn’t be an issue for him. And, more importantly, he’d be willing to step in to save the day as long as he’s compensated for it.
“Listen, I’d do it outside the pub on a Saturday night for free, so put a bit of financial motivation behind it, definitely.”
