John Ryder vs Daniel Jacobs – Who wins and why?
'The Gorilla' meets the 'Miracle Man'
Two-time Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs (37-3, 30 KOs) collides with Britain's world-rated Super-Middleweight contender John Ryder (30-5, 17 KOs) at the famous Alexandra Palace in London on Saturday, February 12, live worldwide on DAZN.
Former WBA and IBF middleweight ruler Jacobs earned a split decision win over two-time World Title challenger Gabriel Rosado last time out in November 2020 in Hollywood, just under a year on from his fifth round stoppage win against Mexico's Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
These wins came after the 'Miracle Man' from Brooklyn fell short in his unification clash with pound-for-pound star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in May 2019, but three years on the 34-year-old still has a burning desire to mix it with the world's best.
Islington's Ryder suffered a controversial points loss to former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith in his one and only World Title challenge in Liverpool in November 2019, but the 33-year-old Tony Sims trained-southpaw returned with wins over Mike Guy and Jozef Jurko in 2019 and 2020.
BBN asked their panel of experts who they are tipping to win this 168lbs battle and why:
Robbie Davies Jr.
WBA Continental super-lightweight champion
"Daniel Jacobs is a quality fighter, but I just think he’s had his time.
John Ryder has had setbacks against the very best, but feel he is the more hungrier of the two at this stage in their careers.
I think Ryder wins on points and the home advantage could be key in a hard fought battle."
Matt Marsh
Former British super-bantamweight champion
"I think John Ryder is hungry, even more so since the Callum Smith fight when everyone, including me, thought he won that.
I think Ryder on points with a masterclass performance as well."
Jack Hughes
Southern Area title contender
"I think John Ryder beats Daniel Jacobs.
Over the years, John Ryder has got better and better, and should have been world champion as he got robbed against Callum Smith; and I feel like Jacobs has put in some good performances, he’s also had some not so great performances recently and is on the decline.
I feel like it will be a points win for Ryder, but it wouldn’t shock me if he pulls out a late stoppage."
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"This is potentially great matchmaking for Ryder.
Of course, Jacobs will start as the favourite as a former titleholder at middleweight and pushed both GGG and Canelo close in losing efforts. He has speed, size and decent power to go along with his vast experience.
However, I wonder whether an aging body and a lack of motivation is affecting his performances. Since moving up to super-middleweight he has struggled to recapture his best form, culminating in a sluggish performance in a surprise draw against popular gatekeeper, Gabe Rosado.
Ryder, on the other hand, has competed well against Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, with most observers feeling that he should have gotten the nod against Smith.
I'm sticking my neck out and thinking that Ryder's better form, with a rowdy home crowd will embolden him towards a famous victory against this slightly past his prime version of Jacobs, who looks ripe for an upset defeat."
Arijan Goricki
Super-featherweight prospect
"Good fight. It depends on how Jacobs will approach the fight and with what mindset.
Ryder will have size advantage and if Jacobs isn't ready it will be a long night. But I think that Jacobs will box and win comfortably. Ryder will try pressure him and make for an interesting fight in the early rounds but as rounds go on, Jacobs will be more and more comfortable."
Jazza Dickens
World title contender
"I’m routing for our man, although I believe it’s going to be a tough night."
Ben Day
Former Southern Area champion
"I would love more than anything for John Ryder to get this win, as he is one tough dude, but I just think in this fight he falls a little short to Danie Jacobs."
Tim Rickson
BBN Editor
"John Ryder will benefit from having the home advantage here. Daniel Jacobs has only fought abroad twice, in Canada and Puerto Rico, winning both bouts.
Ryder has been guilty of being a bit lazy in fights in the past, but he gets himself up for the big occasions, like early in his career against Billy Joe Saunders, and I had him just winning the fight with Callum Smith – I felt he did so much more than the champion did over the 12-rounds and I had him a round or two ahead.
I really hope he gets another world title shot because not many deserve it more than he does. Since losing to Rocky Fielding in 2017, he has picked up some notable scalps over opponents with a combined record of 109-9-2.
Jacobs pushed Golovkin all the way in their 2017 fight and probably earned more respect in that defeat than any of his victories. Other than his early 2010 WBO World title defeat to Dmitry Pirog, in what was his first ever world title fight, he has only lost to 'GGG' and Canelo, and has knocked out five of his six opponents in world title fights. However, I really believe his best days are behind him now.
It's going to be one of the hardest fights of Ryder's 11-year career and I fully expect Jacobs to be the favourite having so muh more experience at world level, but I'm going to let my heart rule my head and side with the Brit to win on points in a close contest where the home advantage helps to secure the tight decision."
Betting Odds
Daniel Jacobs: 4/7
John Ryder: 13/8
Draw: 18/1
