Ryder has won four fights in a row since his controversial 12-round, unanimous-decision defeat to Callum Smith in November 2019. Although Caesars Sportsbook lists Alvarez as a 12-1 favorite to win the upcoming 12-round fight, Ryder is undaunted and feels that he has earned his shot at the Mexican icon. He believes he deserves to be here and is doing this for himself, not for his detractors.
“It seemed like a lifetime away months and years ago. But I’m finally here now and I feel like I really do deserve to be here. I’ve paid my dues in this sport and I’ve earned this shot three times over for me. So, yeah, I feel like I really deserve to be here and deserve this shot.” - John Ryder
The fight between Alvarez and Ryder will take place at Akron Stadium, just outside of Alvarez's hometown of Guadalajara. This will be Alvarez's first fight in his native country since November 2011, making it an even more significant event for Mexican boxing fans.
Ryder is looking forward to the fight and is confident in his abilities. He is not concerned about what others say and encourages them to keep their opinions to themselves. This match will be a pay-per-view main event in the United States and Canada, and boxing fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the outcome. It promises to be an exciting and intense battle between two skilled fighters, and the world will be watching as these two titans of the sport face off for the super middleweight title.
“Don’t shoot me down. I’m still dreaming, so let me live my dream. And listen, keep your opinions to yourself. I’m not reading them, don’t care. I’m doing this for me. I’m not doing it for you. Go about your business. Life can’t be that bad that you gotta worry about me too much.”