John Ryder has recorded a split-decision points victory over Daniel Jacobs in their WBA super-middleweight eliminator at Alexandra Palace.
Despite the expectation that it would be a 50-50 fight, Jacobs dominated the opening six rounds, and there was an argument that the American had taken each of the three-minute sessions.
Ryder rallied from round seven onwards, discouraging two-time world champion Jacobs with his greater pressure and work-rate to keep himself in the bout.
Jacobs improved during the final two rounds to seemingly do enough to get over the line, but it was Ryder's hand that was raised when the scorecards were read out, the Londoner getting the decision by scorecards of 115-113 and 115-113, with the other judge ruling in favour of Jacobs by the same margin.
Earlier in the night, Felix Cash survived two knockdowns to edge past Magomed Madiev, the British middleweight prevailing by scorecards of 95-92, 95-92 and 94-93.
Heavyweight Johnny Fisher posted a points win over Gabriel Enguema over six rounds, emerging victorious by a 59-55 scoreline, while Ellie Scotney battled her way to a victory against Jorgelina Guanini.
Darren Plant
