John Ryder Stands Ready to Give his All Against Daniel Jacobs
Super middleweight title contender John “The Gorilla” Ryder (30-5, 17 KO’s) wants to keep his chances of getting a second shot at a title alive with a win over two-time middleweight champion Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (37-3, 30 KO’s).
THE UNCROWNED CHAMPION
Ryder will step into the ring against Jacobs in what many pundits believe is a must-win situation for both fighters. The Gorilla views this as a second chance to get another title shot since that awful decision in 2019.
On November 23, 2019, after fighting his way up the ladder, the 33-year old fought then WBA champion Callum “Mundo” Smith. The boxing community never gave him a shot at winning, and they started talking about who Smith, would fight next in 2020.
It turned out to be a huge mistake underestimating him, as Ryder started dominating the second half of the fight to the surprise of the fans. His performance was so eye-catching that many felt he should have gotten the win.
When the judges’ scorecards were read, it was a total and complete injustice to the effort by Ryder. The fans in attendance, who at the beginning were pro-Smith, cheered Ryder while booing the judges. Ryder spent the next few years lost in transition, fighting only once per year in 2020 and 2021. mostly due to the global pandemic putting a halt on his plans.
UNDERSTANDING THE MOMENT
In an inside look special, by Matchroom Boxing, the Gorilla expressed understanding this is going to be the biggest test of his career and that, for both fighters, this could be the last hooray.
“Daniel Jacobs is the biggest name I’m going in with. It’s what all my thoughts are about, and all my aims are towards […] listen, I think he knows it’s his last chance looming for him. I’m the same, so I’m preparing meticulously for this fight, and I think he should be too.”
Ryder is currently ranked by three of the four major sanctioning bodies (#4 WBA, #12 WBO, and #14 IBF). The WBA ranking puts him within close range of a title shot with the prize possibly being a big payday fight with undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
The British contender will be extra motivated fighting a few miles away from his home at the Alexandra Palace. There is much on the line so expect fans to pack the house. The rest of the boxing world can catch the action on February 12, live on DAZN.
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By: Garrisson Bland
