Red-hot Wade Ryan can improve another 30%, his trainer has said, after the southpaw's post-lockdown renaissance continued with an eye-catching TKO win over Sydney's Koen Mazoudier at a packed Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
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The Australian super welterweight champion stopped Mazoudier in the 10th round after connecting with a series of left hands - a vicious uppercut and then another shot forcing referee Will Soulos to stop the fight.
It was the 31-year-old's second-straight win, and followed his split-decision victory over the previously undefeated Troy O'Meley in Cessnock in December.
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That triumph halted a two-fight losing run and earned him his first national title and the International Boxing Organisation International super welterweight belt.
In beating Mazoudier, Ryan added the WBA Oceania super welterweight title to his collection. He improved his record to 18 wins against nine losses - six wins by stoppage.
It was is first TKO win since halting Arnon Yucharoen in Gunnedah in April 2018, while it was Mazoudier's second loss in 10 fights (four TKOs).
Boxing Scene reported that Mazoudier "controlled the action in the early going before Ryan violently turned the tied in round four. Momentum remained in Ryan's direction from that point onwards".
Ryan's long-time trainer at Gunnedah's Black 'n' Blue Boxing, David Syphers, said his charge was "in good form".
"And there's still improvement in him," he added. "I believe Wade can improve another 30% on that [his win on Wednesday night].
"He's not at his peak yet. That's his second fight back in a year and a half."
Syphers believes that Ryan's form surge, after making his ring debut in 2015, is the result of his training becoming "a lot more professional". His technique and punching power had also improved, he said.
"And he's just improved in all aspects of boxing," the veteran mentor continued, adding: "He's mentally strong at the moment."
Ryan fought on the undercard of the Tim Tszyu-Dennis Hogan bout, which the undefeated son of boxing great Kostya Tszyu won via a stunning fifth-round TKO.
Syphers said Ryan would likely spar with Tszyu - the WBO's No 1-ranked super welterweight challenger.
Ryan is the only fighter to score a knockdown of Tszyu, which he did in losing a unanimous points decision to the rising star of Australian boxing in October 2017 in Sydney.
Syphers said the star of his gym - whom he has trained since he was a teenager - would rest up before a decision was made on his next opponent.
Meanwhile, two Syphers fights - Albert Nolan and former national amateur champion Enja Prest - will fight on the "Bad Intentions" card at Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday week. It will be Prest's pro debut.
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