Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT Published: 20 December 2007
Angel’s Iceman ryder is crowned all-england champ
BOXING sensation John Ryder (pictured) was crowned the king of the ring on Sunday when he beat Liverpool’s Adam Farrell in the final of All England Senior Novice Championships at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. Competing in the 75kg category, the hard-hitting 19-year-old edged to a narrow points victory as he powered his way through four testing, two-minute rounds. Ryder, who lives in Upper Street, was slightly behind going into the final round.
But under the guidance of his trainers Colin Lake and Ivor Jones, the Angel ABA champion produced a flurry of technical punches to unsettle Farrell and leave him facing a standing eight count as the Angel boxer came within inches of stopping his opponent.
In the end Ryder, known as the Iceman, secured a points victory as he won 19-16 to clinch the title. It’s the second time Ryder has beaten Farrell after he out-pointed him in the junior finals of the competition last year.
Since losing his first ever fight almost four years ago, Ryder has gone on to win 19 successive bouts under the banner of the Angel ABA.
President of Angel Amateur Boxing Club John Jacobs (pictured with John) said after the bout: “John is an ambassador not only for boxing, but for any sport. His sportsmanship, talent and dedication is exceptional.”