Championship boxing is set to return to Cardiff on April 22, 2023. Sandy Ryan is scheduled to fight Marie-Pier Houle for the WBO Welterweight Championship at Cardiff International Arena on DAZN.
Ryan enters next month’s title fight with a record of 5-1 with two knockouts. The 29-year-old amateur standout turned pro back in 2021. She earned one victory by points and two by stoppage before suffering her first loss at the hands of Erica Farias. Despite losing by split decision, she hopped back in the ring with Farias six months later and won by unanimous decision. In her last fight, she beat Anahí Ester Sánchez by unanimous decision at Wembley Arena in England on November 26, 2022. After successfully campaigning at 140 pounds, she will move up to welterweight and fight for her first world title.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be challenging for a World Title in my next fight,” Ryan said.
“The level of opponents I’ve faced since my debut proved how serious I am about becoming a big star in this sport.”
Houle also experienced a bit of adversity early in her career. After winning her first two fights as a pro, she fought Linda Dostalkova to a draw. Unlike Ryan, she did not have an opportunity to get back in the ring with Linda Dostalkova. Instead, she has reeled off six straight wins over the last three years. Now, she will have the opportunity to pick up a world title in her next fight.
“This fight represents the culmination of my hard work since the beginning of my career,” Houle said.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me to demonstrate the strength of character and perseverance that I have acquired over the years.”
