John Ryder is gearing up for a monumental challenge as he prepares to take on Canelo Alvarez on May 6th, 2023, in a bid for the undisputed super-middleweight titles.
Despite Canelo being the odds-on favorite with a lot to prove following his loss to Dmitry Bivol at 175 lbs, Ryder remains undaunted and determined to cause an upset.
Canelo has been working to rebuild himself after his loss, and although he's currently recovering from hand surgery, he's looking to take down Ryder, who has struggled in his past three major fights against Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith, and Rocky Fielding.
While Canelo's form has not been the best, failing to knock out an aging Golovkin and losing to Bivol, Ryder remains optimistic about his chances. Despite his previous defeats, Ryder has vowed to shock the world and leave with the title in hand.
“I’m excited to fight a legend, I come here for my legacy, and I’ll surprise him,”
Despite those words, Canelo’s decision to evade an all-Mexican blockbuster clash with David Benavidez has raised claims that he is ducking the ‘Mexican Monster.’
And this was reflected in the comments that followed on social media.
1️⃣ week for #CaneloRyder Are you ready? 🇲🇽
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) April 29, 2023
May 6 | Live on https://t.co/cttCbHkZ6a @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/ewSIvEPy1p
Ryder is a huge underdog and will be fighting in Canelo’s home country of Mexico, but this has not deterred him.
“The pressure’s all on him,” Ryder told Boxing News.
“It’s his first time back home in 12 years, and after the worst year of his career – last year was the best of mine.
“Getting in there on fight night the pressure will be on him again.”