GORILLA WARFARE
Ryder is ready to roar
JOHN RYDER has no interest in the tag of people’s champion as he bids to shake off his nearly man reputation.
The British super-middleweight was lauded for pushing Callum Smith all the way in a close fight for the WBA title in 2019.
He edged out former world champion Danny Jacobs earlier this year but there was no title on the line.
‘The Gorilla’ enjoyed the plaudits but wants to become a champion as he takes on Derby’s Zach Parker for the interim WBO title tonight.
He said: “I don’t want to be the nearly man or the people’s champion. It’s boring. I want to go out there and make a name for myself.
“I don’t want everyone’s sympathy. I want their praise. It’s heartwarming and humbling but you’re still not getting what you deserve in the next fight. You’re still playing from behind.”
Parker and Ryder will tussle it out to be Canelo Alvarez’s mandatory challenger tonight at the O2.
But Ryder, who has five defeats in 31, has already been chasing a fight with the Mexican superstar.
He travelled the world shadowing him during Covid as he was first reserve when promoter Eddie Hearn needed back-up for fear of Canelo’s opponent catching the virus.
Ryder missed out when Smith got his shot against Alvarez in December 2020 while he was also reserve for Billy Joe Saunders in May 2021.
He said: “I spent two years chasing Canelo halfway around the world and hoping someone catches Covid.
“It was quite awkward hoping someone would fall ill so you could step in.
“Now the focus is on Parker. This will be the fight that’s best for me.
“We can’t sit around waiting on Canelo – who knows when he will be back?”
Canelo is recovering from surgery on his wrist and is not expected to return to the ring until May at the earliest.
Ryder added: “I think I’ve served my apprenticeship in this game, I deserve my shining nights. I don’t want to be a late replacement for someone. I want to be the star.”
But he could land a world title if he beats Parker and Canelo vacates the proper WBO belt.
Ryder said: “It’s not a fantastic way to win a world title being upgraded from an interim to a real world title. The luck I’ve had means I’ll take it.”