John Ryder made easy work of late replacement Bilal Akkawy, knocking him out in the third round to win the vacant interim Super Middleweight title of the World Boxing Association (WBA).

The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an evening that was broadcast by DAZN in a lead-up fight to the Saul Alvarez vs Daniel Jacobs main event.

Ryder made easy work of Akkawy, knocking him down twice an route to a third round stoppage. Akkawy was a late replacement for David Lemieux.

Ryder had already been WBA international champion and was looking for a new title to bring him closer to the big fights. The Londoner is 30 years old and now could be facing down a title opportunity against Callum Smith.

Ryder now sports a record of 28-4 with 16 knockouts, while Akkawy fell to a record of 20-1-1 with 16 knockouts.