Sandy Ryan vs. Terry Harper – Predictions from the boxing world

WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan will defend her title against fellow Briton Terry Harper on Saturday at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

Derby's Ryan unsuccessfully sought to unify the division with a controversial draw against Jessica McCaskill in September in a match many expected to win.

Doncaster-born Harper is the current WBA light-middleweight champion, and her last fight against Cecilia Blakes in October ended in a draw.

Will the underdog Harper be able to use all his experience to win world titles in three weight classes? Or will Ryan, a standout amateur long thought to be great, continue his great run in the professional ranks?

Here are some predictions from some of the biggest names in boxing.

Lightweight Caroline Dubois: “I'm going to choose a points win or a late knockout for Sandy Ryan. I think her skill and confidence will help her dominate early and take over in the second half.”

Boxing commentator and former Commonwealth champion Stacey Copeland: “I can argue that both fighters won. Sandy has the advantage of being naturally bigger and stronger at that particular weight. Her work on the inside is great, with huge heavy body shots and It's a big right hand. She's going to go for the putt.'' She's going to put it on Terry and maybe get a stop.

“Her movement, shot selection, hand speed and work rate are going to be very important for Terry. Both women have advantages, but above all I hope they live up to the hype.”

Two-division world champion Chantel Cameron: “Sandy is a little stronger and has more experience, so I think he will win by unanimous decision.”

Former light middleweight world champion Hannah Rankin: “I'm going to make a late stop for Sandy. She's been performing well and is mean in the ring, so I think it's too much for Harper.”

Trainer and former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla: “The first three rounds are going to be very important. If Terry Harper starts well and gets into a rhythm, Sandy Ryan will have a hard time closing the distance. It's really a 50-50 fight, but I'm going to lean on Sandy given her recent form. I think she might win on points, but I think it'll be close.”

Commentator and former super featherweight world champion Barry Jones says: “It’s a well-matched contest, but I’m going to go for Sandy Ryan with a mid-to-late round stoppage. Terry Harper will come in and out with her feet and if she’s smart with her jab, she can definitely outbox her. But she was done cleanly, you can see the worry on her face.

“It's not just that Harper lost to Alicia Baumgardner, who was a great shot. In other contests before and since, there were signs that she was feeling very uncomfortable under sustained pressure. there were.

“Sandy can be too aggressive for her own good at times, but I feel like she might be able to strike the right balance. If she can get Harper early and keep that pressure, Harper will crack.” I think I might include it.”

IBF Welterweight World Champion Natasha Jonas: “I'm expecting a really good fight. People will say it's 50-50, but in my opinion it's 60/40 against Sandy. Considering the experience and the past few performances. I would choose Sandy to win. ”

Super flyweight Maisie Rose Courtney: “It's a tough question. I like both women and they're both very good, tough, skilled operators. It'll come down to who wants more experience. Harper has more experience in the professional game. I've been in matches with some incredible boxers, but I don't really know about this.

“I'm not going to sit on the fence, but I'll just say that the toughest woman of the day is going to win, and it's going to be more of a scrap than people think. I think it's very technical I don't think it's going to be difficult and difficult.'' They just went for 10 rounds. ”

Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon: “Sandy Ryan should stop her, but she'll probably win on points.”

Featherweight Raven Chapman: “I have to go with my teammate Terry. I think it will be a point, but Terry could hurt Sandy.

“I know that Terry is feeling great right now and is regaining his old energy, which he felt was missing for a while.”