John Ryder is hoping to repay people’s loyalty with a shock win over Canelo Alvarez on Saturday.
The British super-middleweight 32-5 (18) goes into the lion’s den to face the Mexican world champion in Guadalajara. Very few, if any, are giving Ryder a chance against a man who has been one of the greatest fighters in the world for many years.
Ryder, trainer Tony Sims and the rest of their team set up base in Los Angeles to finish off training camp for the biggest challenge of his 13-year professional career. During that time Ryder has seen many ups and downs and once thought of retiring from the sport after losing to Jack Arnfield in 2016. However, he has admirably rebuilt his career since a defeat to Rocky Fielding by split decision seven months after the Arnfield disaster.
Eight wins from nine fights, including a narrow win against Daniel Jacobs and a controversial loss to Callum Smith, have propelled the fifth ranked super-middleweight into the chance of a lifetime.
“My missus and the kids they’ve been with me throughout. Through the good times and through the bad. It’s been a testing time at times,” Ryder told Matchroom Media.
“You don’t know what’s coming next. I could go and get a 9 to 5 [job] and get a weekly wage, just take care of them that way. The kids would probably prefer I be able to go do stuff with them at weekends, the school clubs [and I] wouldn’t be missing birthdays [or] Christmases. I’m sure they’d love it but I want to show that you can achieve your dreams and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Ryder, now 34, is days away from fulfilling a childhood dream. A chance that very few would have given him following the losses to Nick Blackwell, Arnfield and Fielding. ‘The Gorilla’ certainly has momentum on his side and is in good form. Nothing else than perfection will do.
“I feel like I’m probably the best version of myself to come into this fight,” he said.
“I feel like I’m mentally and physically [in] the best condition I’ve ever been. Everything I’ve picked up along the way I’ll take in the ring with me May 6. Win this fight and I absolutely change the life of me and my family.
“This what I dreamt as a kid and coming through the sport. When times got bad, I didn’t think it would happen. I worked hard, kept my head down, now I’m finally here. I’ve just got to embrace it and enjoy it. No-one’s ever given up on me. I’ve not given up on myself. These people have stuck by me through the good and the bad. It’s a great opportunity and I don’t plan on wasting it.”
