JOHN RYDER is of the opinion he has two years left in his career and wants the biggest fights possible.
Four weeks ago, the Londoner walked into the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara to take on local favourite and Mexican idol Canelo Alvarez for the super-middleweight championship.
A typically brave and valiant British performance was enough to gain fans and respect but not enough to cause the upset. Canelo won a deserved decision and dropped Ryder in the fifth round, but the challenger got back on his feet ready to throw more leather.
“I’m not one to pat myself on the back but I think I stayed in there when it got tough,” he told The George Groves Boxing Club podcast.
“I think there was 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.”
The knockdown in round five was the first time Ryder had suffered such a moment in his career.
“I thought the ropes were a bit closer,” he recalled.
“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.”
Having had his nose broken early on and absorbing powerful punches throughout it left some to wonder if Ryder should call time on his long career given the punishment he endured in Guadalajara.
“When I got out that ring the desire to fight again was so strong,” Ryder said.
“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 talked about a fight against one-time middleweight king Gennadiy Golovkin. The Kazakh, who now campaigns at super-middleweight, lost two out of three times against Canelo in their memorable rivalry. Now, at 41, the career of ‘GGG’ may be winding down but the lure of fighting him still appeals to 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 and 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.”
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