Ryder, a 21st century version of Rocky?
Thirty-something John Ryder arrives in Guadalajara with the role of comparsa assigned to him, as a supporting actor in the middle of a party to cheer on Canelo. It is a position in the background to which John is accustomed; but he no longer likes that role and threatens to rebel, like the Rocky Balboa of cinema who at the age of 30 earned the unexpected respect of the world.
Ryder, underrated since it was announced that he would be Saul Alvarez’s opponent to fight again in Mexico, arrives with a record of 32-5 and 18 knockouts, 34 years old and self-confidence as his only value. There are arguments to think so: His record is not intimidating, he is interim champion and he has only three fights outside of England.
John, a pro since September 10, 2010 when he knocked out Ben Deghani, will face Canelo in the biggest fight of his professional life, but he has earned it after pulling off a couple of upsets last year and defeating Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker. He is a mandatory challenger for the World Boxing Organization (WBO), he is not intimidating but he has merit.
“This May 6 the crown will be handed to King Charles at Westminster Abbey and to me in Jalisco as the new super middleweight king,” said the Englishman, who has plenty of desire but lacks qualities. “I’m excited to fight a legend, I’m coming for my legacy and I will surprise him,” he promised on the day of the press conference in which he announced his fight.
What does Ryder base his promise on?
On a very basic equation: He is coming off his best year and in 2022 Canelo suffered too much.
The joy of anonymity
Ryder is a boxer accustomed to the penumbras, he has fought most of his fights in England (this will be only his fourth abroad) and his nickname ‘The Gorilla’ comes precisely from his physique: short for an Englishman, good physical strength that absorbs punches, agile waist to slip, able to press and corner opponents, but suffers when he goes backwards and lacks technique to define the fight.
In his favor he will come into the fight without pressure, and in the sport those are the most dangerous opponents. Today the bets are on which round he will be knocked out and even the complex schedule of the fight (American night and European early morning) complicate the chances that his fans will be watching the fight.
In the organization, his presence is only necessary to complete the show; but John wants to be more than that. And to bring more than presence can be not only the victory, but a worthy fight, like the ones he already had against Billy Joe Saunders, Rocky Fielding and Callum Smith, although the decision of the last one could have been another.
What is also certain is that Ryder already knows the environment he will be facing. On the Canelo Alvarez vs Daniel Jacobs bill in May 2019, Ryder defeated Bilal Akkawy. It was the fight before the Mexican, and he won. Few, as now, turned to see him.
