Ryder admits ‘panicking’ after tasting blood in throat in Canelo loss
John Ryder has admitted he “panicked” after feeling blood trickle down his throat having sustained a damaged nostril in his defeat to Canelo Alvarez on Saturday evening in Guadalajara. The Mexican champion defended his undisputed super-middleweight crown on factors regardless of a valiant show from Ryder at Estadio Akron, who suffered a damaged nostril in the course of the combat, and was left hampered because of this.
Alvarez dominated the combat and dropped Ryder in spherical 5, however the Londoner managed to remain within the combat regardless of being knocked down. In the top, the Mexican fighter – buoyed by 50,000 followers inside the sector – gained by unanimous determination with the judges handing him a victory with scorecards of 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109.
With his newest win, Canelo retains his undisputed super-middleweight championship title after the 32-year-old secured his 59th profession win since turning skilled.
But for Ryder, 34, it was his sixth loss in 38 bouts and he has now twice did not win on the world title degree, having misplaced out in 2019 to compatriot Callum Smith when competing for the WBA ‘Super’ title.
“I thought I was having it all my way, last one to go round [landed] right on the nose and it really took me out of my stride for the last few rounds,” Ryder advised DAZN.
“I saw the final bell, stopped feeling sorry for myself after round eight and dug deep but listen, he’s a really great fighter and it’s not the result I hoped for.
“Last shot of the second spherical, I stepped again and went ahead a bit, threw the uppercut and we labored on that 100 occasions. I believed the bell was about to go and took the slip out and he landed it. 20 odd years in boxing and I’ve by no means damaged my nostril like that.
“It was panic stations because there was blood going down my throat, but I’ve got a great corner that kept me calm.
“When I obtained knocked down, it is all about expertise and that is why I’ve obtained a terrific crew round me to inform me to do this stuff. I had a transparent sufficient head to take their directions. I got here again firing and did that.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn praised Ryder’s efficiency however hinted there was some inevitability about Alvarez’s win.
He advised BBC Radio 5 Live: “John confirmed he was a world-class fighter however Canelo is likely one of the greatest ever. John deserves huge respect tonight.”
After the fight, Alvarez echoed Hearn’s sentiments with praise for Ryder and vowed to beat the Russian Dmitry Bivol next if terms can be arranged.
“It was a historic moment for me, I’m glad to be here with my people,” he mentioned. “He’s [Ryder] a very strong fighter and you know he’s going to turn it on, it can be difficult. But I’ve been in this sport a long time and I know my opponents will come at me with everything.
“I feel I obtained him [hurt], however I’m proud of the combat, my individuals had a terrific combat. He’s a robust fighter, I do know that.
“[Being in Guadalajara] feels different, I feel responsibility for my people to perform and that moment [when he won] was very special for me. It feels different, I’m very glad to be here.”
When quizzed about Bivol, he added: “Everybody knows we want Bivol, but if the fight with Bivol happens? We see. I’m ready to fight anyone. We’ll see. Same fight, same everything.”