Popular Islington southpaw John Ryder will fight for the WBO Interim super-middleweight world championship over 12 rounds at the 02 Arena on November 26 against unbeaten Derbyshire puncher Zach Parker.

For 34-year-old Ryder this is a huge opportunity to finally stamp his authority on the world championship super-middleweight stage in what he describes 'as a very meaningful fight'.

A professional since 2010, Ryder has a paid record of 31 victories (17 inside) and five losses, including a fine split points verdict in February against former two-time world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in an eliminating contest for the WBA super- middleweight crown.

He is now matched against Parker, a devastating puncher with 22 straight wins, 16 via the short route, who has been a professional since July 2015.

Boxing in a variety of venues across England as well as venturing to Glasgow and twice in Germany, Parker has only been the full 12-round trip once, but Ryder has done it seven times, sp big fight night ring experience rests with the north Londoner.

Legendary Mexican Canelo Alvarez holds the WBO belt, although it is unclear when his next contest will take place, not until sometime in 2023 at the earliest and it is also unclear in what weight category he will decide to box at.

Parker is a former British super-middleweight champion and was last in action in November 2021, defending his WBO International super-middleweight title. He is a pressure fighter who tends to hunt his opponents down before completing the job, usually inside the distance.

Although usually recognised as fighting out of the orthodox stance, Parker is somewhat of a switch hitter, equally comfortable operating as a southpaw.

Ryder said: "This fight is a very important one for me. It is a step in the right direction for me with the Interim WBO world championship at stake.

"I would love to bring this title back to Islington. It is a big fight for me and I am used to performing at the very top level and winning will put me a step nearer a challenge for the full WBO belt, that’s my aim on November 26.”

The fight is being staged by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and tickets are on sale at AXS.COM, with the action also to be shown live on BT Sport.

Ryder received the Fighter of the Year prize at the Southern Area Awards hosted by the British Boxing Board of Control at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel near Tower Hill, while manager Tony Sims was named Trainer of the Year.

Ryder received his accolade for his epic victory over Jacobs, while Sims was recognised for his work in producing a plethora of champions at the highest level in British boxing.

Sims was unable to attend the function, but Ryder gratefully accepted the award on behalf of his long-time mentor and trainer.