According to his promoter Eddie Hearn, last night’s defeat to Jaime Munguia could potentially mark the end of John Ryder’s career.
At the Footprint Centre in Phoenix, Arizona, a predominantly pro-Munguia crowd watched as the Mexican, with a record of 43-0 (34), dominated the Brit with a ninth-round stoppage victory, including four knockdowns. The last time Ryder, with a record of 32-7 (18), was stopped was in May 2015 by Nick Blackwell, who caused an upset by winning the British middleweight title and halting Ryder in the seventh round. Back then, Munguia’s career was still in its early stages, but despite having more fights than Ryder, he appeared to be the fresher man last night.
In his last four fights, Ryder has faced opponents such as Daniel Jacobs, Zach Parker, Canelo Alvarez, and Munguia, winning the first two and losing the latter two. The manner of yesterday’s loss may suggest that Ryder’s ability to take punches may be diminishing.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Hearn shared his thoughts on whether Ryder’s 39-fight, 14-year career may be coming to an end.
“It’s always difficult right after a fight, but considering the heights he’s reached, particularly with the Canelo Alvarez fight and the Jaime Munguia fight, I believe there is a possibility that could be the end of the road for him,” said Hearn.
“We really thought he could win tonight. He believed it too. The start was a bit of a nightmare. The fourth round wasn’t really a knockdown, but it had to be scored as one, and obviously, having two knockdowns in the first four rounds was very difficult for him. He was beaten by the younger, fresher man, so there’s definitely a decision to be made.”