John Ryder, Ali Akhmedov, Hyun Mi Choi among December 18th Golovkin-Szeremeta undercard

They took their time about it, but Matchroom Boxing has officially unveiled the undercard lineup for next Friday’s Gennadiy Golovkin-Kamil Szeremeta DAZN event. Fighters of note include former world title challenger John Ryder, rising super middleweight Ali Akhmedov, and WBA super featherweight champion Hyun Mi Choi.

Islington’s Ryder (28-5, 16 KO) seemingly upset Callum Smith in November of last year, only for the judges to, let’s not mince words, screw him over. He was subsequently linked to a number of potential big fights, including a clash with Daniel Jacobs, but will instead meet American prospect checker Mike Guy (12-5-1, 5 KO), who’s gone to split decisions in three of his last four.

The press release says he’s “looking to shake the rust off as he prepares for a big fight in the first quarter of 2021.”

In what’s being billed as a title fight for featuring the IBO super middleweight belt, promising Kazakh Akhmedov (16-0, 12 KO) takes on two-time Ecuadorian Olympian Carlos Gongora (18-0, 13 KO). Akhmedov sports wins over Andrew Hernandez and the aforementioned Guy, while Gongora has spent five years crushing cans.

“Title fights have always been my goal, and together with the team we became one step closer to the world title. I am confident in myself, my strength, and can’t wait to step into the ring. The training camp was held at the highest level as always, and I am ready for the fight,” Akhmedov said.

“We have been training together for several years and I have seen his progress with every fight and training camp. He is ready to fight for the world title and I am glad that Ali represents GGGP at the turning point of his career. I am sure he will succeed,” Golovkin said.

“I know I will be in tough with Akhmedov and I am ready for anything he wants to offer. We will see if he can do the same against me. Boston is about to see the start of its newest championship dynasty — mine,” Góngora said.

Choi (17-0-1, 4 KO) signed with Matchroom last month and presumably has a unification match with Terri Harper or Maiva Hamadouche in the future. This time, though, it’s multiple-time world title challenger Calista Silgado (19-11-3, 14 KO).

“From the time I started boxing, it was my dream to fight in the United States,” said Choi. “Now, it’s time to realize that dream. I am ready to show everyone a great boxing match. Through this match I hope to gain respect and support from the world. I’m looking forward to my first match in the United States.”

Friday evening will also see unbeaten welterweight Reshat Mati (8-0, 6 KO) fight Dennis Okoth (4-4-1, 2 KO) and featherweight Jalan Walker (6-0, 6 KO) face Rafael Reyes (18-11, 14 KO)