THE dual reward of top spot in the British super-middleweight division and #1 contender status with the WBO is up for grabs in the battle between experience and potential at London’s O2 on Saturday night.

Former world title contender John Ryder, 34, takes on 28-year-old undefeated but largely untested Zach Parker in a mouth-watering main event that has British boxing divided.

Islington’s Ryder boasts a 36-fight record that includes five defeats. But three came against current or future world champions and, in his last time performance, he outpointed former two-time world champion Danny Jacobs.

By contrast, Parker’s unblemished card reads 20 straight wins with 16 knockouts. But the Derbyshire destroyer’s most notable scalps have come over truly domestic level opposition.

Ryder represents a significant step up in class from Parker. And yet it’s Parker who is actually risking his superior world ranking this weekend.

He was scheduled to face ex-middleweight champ Demetrius Andrade back in May, on home turf at Derby County’s Pride Park stadium. But the American pulled out of the fight, meaning Parker hasn’t boxed now in over a year.

It’s not just power that’s a formidable factor for the six-foot, 74-inch reach prospect either. For a tall super-middle, he really goes to the body well, slashing at his opponent’s midriffs, whilst his head-snapping jab opens up a long destructive right hand.

That greater size and crippling style won’t intimidate Ryder, however. Who, despite being just five-foot-nine, had his best performance against six-four Callum Smith back in 2019.

In his only world title fight to date, Ryder marched into the lion’s den in Liverpool and dragged Smith into a 12-round brawl, only to lose some maintain unjustly on the judge’s scorecards.

A rough and tumble style fighter, Ryder’s ‘Gorilla’ moniker is very apt for his size, frame and strengths. He rolls forward throwing punches in bunches relying on a great chin and relentless pressure to break down his foes.

A grinding yet criminally under-rated southpaw with a gas tank to match, Ryder will meet Parker head on in the centre of the ring and truly test his metal at the top level.

Despite Parker offering up his world ranking, it’s Ryder who is presently positioned as the best 12-stone fighter in Britain. And expect him to approach the fight as such.

On paper it’s advantage Ryder, as experience counts for so much at this almost world level. But the fans who have bought tickets and the BT Sport cameras are rolling for one reason: to see if Parker is indeed the real deal.

All three of his last opponents had previously never been stopped. Whilst Ryder’s only stoppage loss came in a British title fight two months before Parker had even made his pro debut.

If the veteran still has the engine and the fire in his belly to become a champion that he had in Liverpool three years ago, then fight fans are in for a real treat. He could be all wrong for Parker.

But the younger man has faced adversity before and come through. Parker dislocated his shoulder in the first round yet still won a decision for the British title back in 2018.

Uppercuts as Ryder rolls forward in an attempt to take away the reach advantage will be key. As are Parker’s trademark blitzkrieg body assaults.

In a sport that’s all about levels, it’s Zach Parker’s time to prove he’s much more than just potential.

TIP: Parker on Points (5/4)