John Ryder edges closer to world title shot after knocking out Jamie Cox in the second round

JOHN RYDER marched back into super-middleweight title-shot contention with a weird second-round KO of Jamie Cox.

There was always a danger that two southpaws meeting would serve up an awkward fight and the opening round was a worrying hint that our worst fears were spot-on.

But a freakish shot right down the middle of Cox’s forehead floored the the Swindon man and he was counted out despite appearing to have recovered from the hit.

Early on, Cox was instantly the aggressor, trying to get tight and spiteful in the pocket but Ryder is a clever fighter and left him little room to manoeuvre.

The was plenty of grappling, barging and arm wrestling early on and little of the classy work Ryder is capable of or the meaty shots Cox is feared for.

And the final blow was just as confusing as the early exchanges.

A tangle on the ropes was broken up by a short hook from Islington man Ryder - who has been battling back from defeats to fellow Brits Rocky Fielding and Nick Blackwell - and his 31-year-old opponent was shook.

Cox - coming into the fight with a 25-1 record after his October 2017 loss to George Groves - fell slowly to the floor.

VIVA JOYCE Joe Joyce dresses like a Mexican as he KO’s Lenroy Thomas to win Commonwealth title in fourth pro fight

Referee Ian John Lewis began the count - right in front of Cox’s dazed eyes - and he reached ten at the same time the stricken fighter leapt up - but it was too late.

It looked like Cox had been hurt with a body shot - like the one Groves caught him in their World Boxing Super Series meeting - and was taking his time to catch his breath.

But replays proved he was caught between the eyes and - despite his protests - he had no right to contest the decision.

And Ryder - as expected - was pleased with the decision, he said: “It was the right shot for me, the wrong shot for him.

"He was down. I was just thinking stay down, please.

"The referee called it right, I believe."