British super middleweight contender John Ryder admits that his career is likely over if he loses to Jaime Munguia this Saturday night in Phoenix, Arizona.
Munguia (42-0, 33KOs) is coming off a grueling Fight of The Year decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
Ryder has been out of the ring since May of 2023, when he lost a bruising twelve round decision to Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
At 35-years-old, Ryder explains that he’s not interested in continuing his career with back-to-back defeats – because that would likely drop him back to the domestic level.
“It really wouldn’t be ideal if I picked up two losses,” Ryder told the PA news agency. “I’ve been in this predicament before, where I have come from defeat so it’s a must-win. I need to win this to continue my career. A loss here would signal the end for me. I’m not willing to drop down levels and fight at a lower grade.
“I want to go out at a level I know I can operate at. They’re priming Munguia to fight Canelo in May and I’m looking to spoil that party.”
Ryder is hoping that his experience against world class opponents will propel him over Munguia.
“I’ve got more experience,” said Ryder. “I know it sounds strange because I have had less fights than him but I’ve got a vast experience at this level.
“Experience is one of those things you can’t buy. I’ve been in with many different styles, I’ve been in the away corner before so it’s nothing new to me and I have all the balls in my court.
“He’s had it his own way so far so I’m going to take it to him, stick it on him in the middle of the ring. I can’t let him push me back like he wants to do or let him get in a rhythm and fight his fight. He’s got a high work-rate with a good variation of punches. I wouldn’t say he’s massively quick but he throws a lot of shots so it’s going to be hard to keep the movement going and to keep rolling.”
Credit: Boxing Scene