Sandy Ryan vs Karla Ramos Zamora: Derby's Former World Champion Seeks Redemption at Super Lightweight

Sandy Ryan's career has been defined by resilience. The Derby fighter who once stood on top of the world as WBO welterweight champion found herself at a crossroads after back-to-back defeats to Mikaela Mayer stripped her of both her title and, briefly, her desire to continue fighting. On February 21 at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, Ryan gets the chance to write a new chapter as she challenges for the vacant WBC world super lightweight title against Mexico's Karla Ramos Zamora.

A New Beginning at 140 Pounds

Ryan's decision to drop down to super lightweight represents more than just a change of weight class — it is a complete reset of her professional career. The 32-year-old won the WBO welterweight title in April 2023 with a commanding points victory over Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, establishing herself as one of the premier female fighters in British boxing. However, a controversial split decision loss to Mayer in September 2024, followed by a more decisive defeat in the rematch, left Ryan questioning whether she wanted to continue in the sport.

The former Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World Championships silver medallist ultimately decided that she had more to give. Moving down to 140 pounds, where her 5'10" frame and 67-inch reach give her significant physical advantages, Ryan has the opportunity to become a two-weight world champion and re-establish herself among the elite of women's boxing.

The Champion's Pedigree

Ryan's amateur credentials are among the finest in British women's boxing. She won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2014 World Championships, representing Great Britain on the international stage before turning professional. That amateur foundation has given her a technical skillset that separates her from many of her professional peers — she is a sharp, accurate puncher with excellent footwork and the ability to box at range or on the inside.

Her professional record of 8-3-1 does not tell the full story. The three defeats have come against world-class opposition, and Ryan has consistently shown the ability to compete at the highest level. At super lightweight, where she will not be giving away size to her opponents, Ryan could prove to be an even more formidable proposition.

The Challenger: Karla Ramos Zamora (12-10-2, 4 KOs)

Karla Ramos Zamora arrives in Nottingham as a significant underdog, but the Mexican fighter brings a wealth of experience that should not be underestimated. The 32-year-old from Chimalhuacan has been a professional since 2014 and has accumulated 24 fights over more than a decade in the sport. Her record of 12-10-2 reflects the fact that she has consistently been willing to face quality opposition rather than pad her numbers against lesser fighters.

Mexican women's boxing has produced some of the toughest and most durable fighters in the sport, and Zamora fits that mould perfectly. She is a come-forward fighter who thrives in exchanges and has the durability to absorb punishment while looking for her own opportunities. The WBC has sanctioned this contest for their vacant super lightweight title, and Zamora will be desperate to seize what may be the biggest opportunity of her career.

Tale of the Tape

Styles and Analysis

This should be a contest that plays to Ryan's strengths. Her height and reach advantage will allow her to control the distance with her jab, and her superior footwork should enable her to dictate the pace of the fight. Zamora will need to close the distance and make this an inside fight if she is to have any success, but Ryan's amateur pedigree means she is comfortable fighting at close quarters when necessary.

The 10-round, two-minute format is worth noting. Women's championship bouts are contested over shorter rounds than their male counterparts, which can sometimes favour the more aggressive fighter. Zamora will look to make every second count, but Ryan's technical superiority should be enough to keep her at bay for the majority of the contest.

What Victory Would Mean

For Ryan, winning the WBC super lightweight title would make her a two-weight world champion and complete one of the most impressive comebacks in recent British boxing history. It would also position her for major unification fights at 140 pounds, where the division is developing rapidly. For Zamora, an upset victory in Nottingham would be the crowning achievement of a career spent fighting against the odds in one of boxing's toughest countries for female fighters.

Prediction

Ryan's class should tell in this one. Expect the Derby fighter to use her jab and movement to build a comfortable lead before potentially stopping Zamora in the second half of the fight as the Mexican's durability is tested by the accumulation of clean shots. Ryan by late stoppage (Round 8) as she announces herself as a force at super lightweight.

Ryan vs Zamora takes place on the undercard of Wood vs Warrington II at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham on February 21, 2026, live on DAZN.