An in depth but disputed loss by the hands of Callum Smith in 2019 appeared to seal John Ryder’s destiny as a gatekeeper. With 5 defeats already laced throughout his report, his desires of at some point successful a world title had passed by the wayside. Nevertheless, armed with steely dedication, Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) turned issues round.
Following back-to-back victories over Mike Man and Jozef Jurko, Ryder seized the second in opposition to Daniel Jacobs. Whereas he struggled early on, the British native used a second-half rally to attain the upset victory.
Shortly, Ryder parlayed that victory right into a fifth-round stoppage win over Zach Parker. In consequence, the 34-year-old nicknamed “The Gorilla”, is now the proud proprietor of the WBO interim crown. Contemplating his kind and declare to fame, Ryder might discover himself standing throughout the ring from present undisputed tremendous middleweight kingpin, Canelo Alvarez.
“Hopefully I may be the person within the reverse nook come Cinco De Mayo weekend,” mentioned Ryder to Boxing Social.
Alvarez, after laying waste to the competitors, nabbed each main golden trinket at 168 kilos. In his quest to alleviate much more belt holders or their championship standing, Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) audaciously made the transfer to the sunshine heavyweight division to tackle Dmitry Bivol.
Regardless of his bravado and overwhelming confidence, the Mexican star would come up woefully brief, dropping by way of unanimous choice. On the night time, Bivol employed a box-first method, refusing to have interaction in protracted stints contained in the pocket.
To kick off his 2023 marketing campaign, Alvarez, considerably impetuously, has remained targeted on exacting his revenge. Nevertheless, earlier than the 32-year-old faces off in opposition to Bivol within the second half of the brand new yr, Ryder, no less than in keeping with longtime promoter Eddie Hearn, has emerged because the frontrunner.
Though nothing has been formally set in stone, Ryder is already engaged on his craft and formulating a recreation plan to usurp the longer term Corridor of Famer. Whereas each Bivol and Floyd Mayweather have confirmed that the multi-divisional champion may be outboxed, Ryder plans on attacking Alvarez in an unconventional style.
“You play him at his personal recreation I believe. You struggle him up shut. He’s an important midrange fighter, Bivol confirmed that he might beat him at vary – out and in however I’m not that sort of fighter. I’ll work to my strengths.”