Saturday 30 May 2015 23:05, UK
Dave Ryan fought back from two knockdowns to stop John Wayne Hibbert and retain his Commonwealth light-welterweight title in a thrilling opener at the O2 Arena.
Ryan had won a points decision when the pair first met in 2013, but Essex fighter Hibbert appeared to be on course to dethrone the champion after flooring his 32-year-old opponent with a head shot in the third and a flurry of body blows in the fifth.
However, Ryan – trailing on the scorecards – improved as the fight went on and unleashed a sustained barrage on his tiring opponent in the ninth to send the bloodied Hibbert sprawling to the floor.
The challenger was quickly back on his feet before being bundled to the floor once again seconds later. That didn’t count as a knockdown, but a fierce left from Ryan through Hibbert’s guard saw the 30-year-old facing another count.
Hibbert survived once more but Ryan quickly hunted down his man and referee Victor Loughlin had no choice but to step in.
The fight of the year contender swung both ways throughout the contest, with Hibbert starting in rapid fashion, easing off in the second, before stunning the title holder in the third.
However, despite more success for Hibbert with rights to Ryan’s body in the fifth, it was the champion lasting the pace better – with Hibbert cut over both eyes and bleeding from his nose.
Eventually Ryan’s stamina paid off, with a dramatic finish improving his record to 17-8.
