Canelo Alvarez Close to Agreeing His Next Fight

As reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN on February 11, John Ryder has now confirmed that a showdown with Canelo Alvarez is close to being finalised. The fight is set to take place on May 6th, with the undisputed 168-pound title on the line.

Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder Is Close to Being Agreed

“I AM HEARING IT IS CLOSE!” ✍️@_John_Ryder_ gives the latest update on negotiations for a massive showdown with @Canelo 🥊

🔗 | https://t.co/PMkJQ92Aw8

🎤 | @Umar_iFL pic.twitter.com/6DCKJwuer2

— IFL TV (@IFLTV) February 16, 2023

John Ryder Edges Closer to Canelo Alvarez Clash

Ryder has seemingly moved closer to a showdown for the undisputed 168-pound title with Mexican superstar Canelo. The site is yet to be decided as Coppinger reported last week – but its thought the Brit will have to travel into the lion’s den and clash with Alvarez in his home town of Jalisco in Mexico.

When asked in the interview by Umar Ahmed about the potential clash, Ryder was straightforward with his reply: “Im hearing its close.” The potential showdown between the Brit and the Mexican superstar looks set to be Canelo‘s third consecutive fight under Matchroom Boxing on DAZN.

John Ryder’s Recent Form

Following a tough points loss to Callum Smith in November 2019, Ryder won a points decision over Mike Guy. Following the dull win over Guy, he dispatched Jozef Jurko in round 5 before winning a memorable split decision over former two-time middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. These three wins resulted in the 34-year-old taking on Zach Parker at the 02 Arena, which resulted in Parker failing to come out for round 5 following a hand injury, leaving him unable to continue.

Canelo’s Recent Form

The 32-year-old Mexican star is widely regarded in many circles as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time. His astonishing record stands at 58-2-2, with an incredible 39 wins by way of knockout. After amassing 16 consecutive wins, Alvarez was defeated by Dmitry Bivol. The Russian national’s speed and general ring craft caused the Mexican issues the whole fight, with Canelo unable to find any rhythm.

He then returned to super middleweight, where he once again defeated his old foe, Gennadiy Golovkin and retained the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring super middleweight titles. Canelo has been out since this win with a hand injury he sustained in the build-up to the fight.

This is a potential life-changing fight for Ryder, and he will seemingly have to travel to Mexico and take on the role of David, focused on upsetting Goliath.