JOHN RYDER thinks he has two years left in his career and wants the biggest fights he can.
Four weeks ago, the Londoner stepped into Estadio Akron in Guadalajara to face Mexican idol and local favorite Canelo Alvarez for the super middleweight championship.
A typical British show of bravery and valor was enough to win fans and respect but not enough to cause disappointment. Canelo took a well-deserved decision and took out Ryder in the fifth round, but the challenger was back on his feet and ready to throw more skins.
“I’m not one to pat myself on the back but I think I stayed there when the going got tough,” he told the George Groves boxing club podcast.
“I think there was a time when I thought just hit my chin now [and put me out my misery]. It was difficult, but I made it through.”
The fifth round knockdown was the first time Ryder had experienced such a moment in his career.
“I think the ropes were a little closer,” he recalls.
“I was going to try using the rope to get back but then I leaned back.
“I remember him throwing the jab, seeing the jab, not the backhand. I thought it was a good shot, but it wasn’t a big shot. I stood up and (coach) Tony [Sims] like waiting. This was the first time I was knocked down, but the funny thing was that my aunt was behind him to lie down! I’m thinking there’s no chance I’ll stay and not get up.
Breaking his nose early and receiving powerful punches throughout the match left some wondering if Ryder should end his long career in light of the punishment he received in Guadalajara.
“When I got out of that ring, the desire to fight back was so strong,” Ryder said.
“I told myself that I can’t wait to fight again.”
“Obviously I’m angry but it’s all about what’s next now,” he added.
“I am enjoying my downtime. I have no need to go back to the gym. I just want to let my body heal and sit down for a few more weeks and talk about what might happen next.”
Ryder talked about the fight against the once middleweight king Gennadiy Golovkin. The Kazakh player, who currently competes in the super-middle class, has lost two out of three times to Canelo in their memorable showdown. Now, at 41, ‘GGG’ career may be on the decline but the allure of fighting him still appeals to Ryder.
“I’m planting seeds here! I’m a huge Golovkin fan but that’s another fight I want to do, and I’m going to give it my all again and go there and try to make a big statement.
“Dreams and aspirations may have changed now. It’s about the biggest and best fights I can get right now. If it will be a Golovkin, a [David] Benavidez, a [Caleb] Plant… I won’t keep going until the wheel falls off but as long as the desire is burning and I’m playing well, winning and uninjured then I’ll keep going.
“I think I have a maximum of two years. I’m 35 in July. I can play a few more matches and secure my future, the future of my family.”
