Fighting Words: John Ryder Confident In Potential Fight Against Canelo Alvarez

As we get closer to September, everyone has been wondering who Canelo Alvarez will face off against. Several opponents are in mind, as a potential trilogy fight with Gennadiy Golovkin has been halted until at least 2021. If the challenge is open to anyone, John Ryder is looking to take advantage.

Ryder (28-5) is one of the several names that have been discussed for Canelo. A former super-middleweight contender, Ryder is also looking at all of his options. One of his main concerns has been a rematch against Callum Smith, another name on Canelo’s radar. If travel as a result of the coronavirus affects a bout with Canelo, Ryder is ready to face Smith once again.

“I think if this fight comes off then that’s justice, that’s karma, that’s all served at once,” Ryder stated to The Mirror. “With the coronavirus coming about, it’s worked in my favor because this Canelo fight is being spoken about, but even if it doesn’t come off for me or Callum then the potential for the rematch is huge as well.

“If travel restrictions aren’t getting lifted any time soon then surely it gives me the green light for the rematch as well. If it’s not a huge fight with Canelo that I get, then surely it should be the rematch with Callum Smith.”

Before the Smith loss in November for the WBA and The Ring Super-Middleweight Titles, Ryder was on a four-fight win streak. A former WBO Inter-Continental and WBA/IBF International Middleweight Champion, Ryder fought for titles against the likes of Rocky Fielding, Billy Joe Saunders, and Jamie Cox. Many have been calling for a Smith rematch for a while now.

Golden Boy President Eric Gomez has stated that a fighter from the United States would be easier to face Canelo if COVID-19 were to cause further restrictions. In any case, Ryder will be ready if his number is called.

Since facing Golovkin twice, winning the rematch for the WBA, WBC and The Ring Middleweight Titles, Canelo (53-1-2), has been on a roll. He has won the WBA Super-Middleweight Title (v. Rocky Fielding), the IBF Middleweight Title (v. Daniel Jacobs), and the WBO Light-Heavyweight Title (v. Sergey Kovalev). Although Canelo hasn’t lost a bout since 2013, Ryder is confident in his ability against the 29-year-old.

“I believe he just really struggles with southpaws,” Ryder went on to say. “His win against (Erislandy) Lara, who was a southpaw, I believe he was lucky to get the decision there that night. Obviously Lara is a tall southpaw and I’m a short southpaw, but I think we’ve seen him struggle against southpaws in the past and I believe I’d go in there with a real chance.”

Ryder joins the likes of Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Caleb Plant, and Davis Benavidez as those who could be close to a Canelo contest. With all the time in the world to wait, Ryder is ready for whatever Canelo decides.

“At the current time I know that me and Derevyanchenko look to be the front-runners, but I see that Eric Gomez  (Golden Boy President) posted earlier that if you’re in the States you’ve probably got more of a chance with the travel restrictions in place,” Ryder stated.

“We’re just waiting patiently, waiting to see what’s what and hopefully we can get right up there and get the shot.