JOHN RYDER believes he still has two years left in his career and desires the biggest fights possible.
Just four weeks ago, the Londoner went head-to-head with local favorite and Mexican idol, Canelo Alvarez, for the super-middleweight championship at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Ryder exhibited a typically brave and valiant British performance, earning fans and respect. It was not enough to cause an upset, as Canelo emerged victorious with a well-deserved decision by dropping Ryder in the fifth round. However, the challenger showed great resilience by getting back on his feet and ready to throw more punches.
“I’m not one to pat myself on the back, but I think I stayed in there when it got tough,” Ryder disclosed during The George Groves Boxing Club podcast.
“I think there were times in there when I was thinking just hit me on the chin now [and put me out my misery]. It’s hard but I got through it.”
This knockdown in the fifth round marked the first time Ryder had ever experienced such a moment in his career.
“I thought the ropes were a bit closer,” he recollected.
“I was going to try and use the ropes to come back off but then I went to lean back. I remember him throwing the jab, seeing the jab but not the backhand. I was thinking good shot, but it wasn’t a massive shot. I went to get straight up, and (trainer) Tony [Sims] was like wait. It was my first time being knocked down, but the funny thing was my missus was behind him going stay down! I’m thinking no chance I’m gonna stay down and not get up.”
Considering the punishment he endured in Guadalajara, where he broke his nose early on and dealt with powerful punches throughout, there were speculations amongst some observers as to whether Ryder should retire from boxing. Yet, he asserted that his desire to continue fighting was stronger than ever before.
“When I got out that ring, the desire to fight again was so strong,” Ryder declared.
“I said to myself I can’t wait to f*****g fight again.”
“Obviously I’m gutted, but it’s all about what’s next now,” he added.
“I’m enjoying the downtime. I’ve got no urge to be back in the gym. I just want to let my body heal and sit down in a couple of weeks and talk about what’s potentially next.”
Ryder has already expressed interest in fighting former middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin, who currently campaigns at super-middleweight. Despite losing two out of three times against Canelo in their memorable rivalry, Golovkin’s career may be reaching its end at 41; still, the prospect of fighting him still holds allure for Ryder.
“I’m laying the seed here! I’m a major fan of Golovkin, but it’s another fight I’d like to do, and I’d give it my all again and go in there and try and make a huge statement.
“The dreams and aspirations have probably changed now. It’s about the biggest and best fights I can get now. If that would be a Golovkin, a [David] Benavidez, a [Caleb] Plant… I’m not going to keep going till the wheels fall off, but as long as the desire is burning, I’m doing well and winning, and not getting hurt, then I’ll continue.
“I think I’ve got two years max. I’m 35 in July. I could get another couple of fights and secure my future, my family’s future.”