Ryan homecoming bout a 'roll of the dice' - Hearn

Sandy Ryan (right) has won seven of her nine fights since turning professional in 2021

Boxer Sandy Ryan could return to Derby for a world title defence, with her promoter Eddie Hearn saying he is willing to "roll the dice" on a homecoming bout.

The 30-year-old retained her WBO welterweight crown in Sheffield in March with an impressive fourth-round stoppage win against fellow Briton Terri Harper.

Ryan, who has based her career overseas since splitting with long-time coach Clifton Mitchell in October 2023, was awarded the Freedom of Derby – the city’s top civic honour – just two days after that win in South Yorkshire.

When asked if a home fight was in Ryan's future, Hearn said: "She has the keys to the city already, so she deserves to fight there. Derby is an active city, a sporting city, so why not roll the dice there."

Hearn, one of world sports’ highest profile promoters, said the upcoming schedule for Ryan had yet to be decided with a number potential opponents to consider.

Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron, IBF welterweight title-holder Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer, who Jonas beat to retain her title in January, are all prospective match-ups mentioned by Hearn in an interview with BBC Radio Derby.

"She [Ryan] wants the big fights," he said. "And these are huge fights.

"She will be in those fights, but most importantly we have to keep her active."

Ryan says she is preparing for a bout in September, but responded to Hearn’s suggestion about potentially “squeezing” two fights in before the end of the year as being a “nice” idea, but not one that she sees as likely.

"Boxing is not just a sport anymore, it’s a business – especially at this level," she said.

"That is why it’s so hard to make these fights. I want to fight all the big fights and I’m open to fight anyone, but when it’s at this level and they are not offering me the right things to take the fight, those fights will have to wait until next year now, which is annoying."