Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder – Who will be the undisputed winner?
On Cinco de Mayo (May 6) Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (58-2-2, 39KO) will defend his Undisputed super-middleweight crown to Brit boxer John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-5, 18KO) at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, live on DAZN.
Canelo has defeated fellow Brits Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, who have each beaten John Ryder, so does that make this a foregone conclusion already, or will the Londoner have some tricks up his sleeve to spoil the Mexican's coming home party, having not fought in Mexico for over 11 years?
Find out what BBN's panel of boxing experts are saying below:
David Benavidez WBC Interim super-middleweight champion (Source: Boxing News 24)
“It’s a good fight. He [Canelo] said he wanted a tune-up against John Ryder, but John Ryder is still a tough customer. What’s most important is he’s doing the fight in Mexico. It’s going to be big for Mexico.
“However he looks, that’s him. Yeah, he’s a great fighter. I think so, but I’m not sure because John Ryder is a tough customer. He fought Daniel Jacobs and Callum Smith.
“I think Canelo will beat him, but he’ll have a tough time, but it’s going to be a great fight anyway. He’s a tough customer, though. I’m excited to see it.”
Matt MarshBritish super-bantamweight champion
“It’s a big ask for John Ryder, I really want him to win but Canelo is one of the greatest fighters on the planet. I want John, but I think Canelo on a points win.”
Jamie SpeightThree-weight Southern Area champion
“Everyone loves a Canelo fight and, as always, it’s a huge spectacle, especially in Mexico.
“Canelo is what he is – a fantastic fighter, technician and puncher, all rolled into one. Many will just flat out say Canelo kills him, but John is an excellent fighter, clever, sensible and ruthless, so I think he can really cause Canelo problems.
“This will not be straight laced, I do think Canelo wins possibly late stoppage, but this will be a fight and Ryder will definitely have his moments.”
Codie Smith Featherweight prospect
“Canelo, stoppage with a body shot.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor
“Canelo is always going to be the strong favourite here, but I hope Ryder will give a good account of himself. I don't believe he has the power to hurt Canelo so the only way he can win is on points, in my opinion, but is that likely to happen in Mexico?
“I have always been a big fan of Ryder throughout his career, but there have been some fights where he has lost to lesser opponents, which has been frustrating to watch because he is so talented and skilled.
“Like most others who watched the world title fight with Callum Smith, I had Ryder winning. He outlanded the champion in eight of the 12 rounds, so that was an unfair decision especially when one judge only had him winning three rounds; it's almost like he had no chance in Liverpool no matter what he did.
“He is fluid and skillful, hard to match on the inside where he is most effective, but I don't think he will have the right style to trouble Canelo. I'm sure trainer Tony Sims will have him in better shape than ever and equipped with the best possible game plan, but Canelo has only really struggled against elite fighters with incredible jabs, such as Mayweather, Lara, Golovkin, Bivol; but Ryder isn't known for his jab, so I think Canelo will adapt to his style and dismantle him after a few rounds of study.
“Ryder can sometimes show the same patterns, despite having really good movement, so I think Canelo will spot those and take his opportunites. For example, he dips down low and reaches in to the body to try and jump in from out of range. I can see the uppercut Canelo stopped BJS with working well for him again. Plus, he sidesteps widely to his right at times, where he could be susceptible to a counter hook.
“I think Canelo will stop Ryder anytime after six rounds, but Ryder will have his moments and make it an entertaining viewing. I have only met John once and he was incredibly nice, so I'll be rooting for him and I hope he gives it his best shot and comes out with a good performance he can be proud of and a thoroughly well deserved payday.”
Ben DaySouthern Area lightweight champion
“I’m really happy for John Ryder, diamond of a man and a wonderful payday, which has been overdue, but let’s talk boxing… I don’t think he stands a chance, gets stopped rounds 4-6, I hope I’m wrong.”
Arijan Goricki IBO International title contender
“My prediction is that Canelo will win via unanimous decision. I think that Ryder will come ready and surprise a lot of people in the first couple rounds, but Canelo and his crowd in the Mexico will just be too much for him.”
John J. RaspantiLead-writer-editor www.maxboxing.com
“I like John Ryder. He's an old-school warrior. Ryder appears to have improved with age – victorious in eight of his last nine fights.
“There have been rumblings that Canelo Alvarez is slipping. The Mexican superstar has engaged in 62 professional fights.
“Bottom line though, Alvarez is the better fighter. As is often said, there are levels in boxing (and all sports).
“Not sure I agree he's on the back nine, but I expect him to break down the gutsy Ryder and stop him before round 10.”
Uros DjikanovicBoxing Manager & Advisor
“I think Canelo wins this fight. Ryder is a good and an underrated southpaw but he tends to move to his left a lot and with Canelo’s ability to cut inside there is a high possibility for Canelo to win via KO.
“I think Canelo’s right hook will cause problems for Ryder but if he moves to the right and tries to control the fight with his jab there is a possibility he wins on points but I think it’s unlikely to happen.
“I would love to see Canelo have a rematch with Bivol and I would like to see him fight Benavidez.”
Daniel SmithBBN Writer
“Ryder is as game as they come and brings pressure to the fight along with a vicious left hand. However, a win over Alvarez would reside in similar company to a Tyson vs Douglass, Lewis vs Rahman, and Bear vs Braddock contest, where the enchanted story of an underdog prevails.
“Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see John Ryder score victory over the Mexican and become undisputed champion of the super middleweight division. But the reality of that happening is slim, not impossible.
“Canelo’s losses have come from one: the in-experience of youth and the unparalleled skill of Floyd Mayweather. Whilst his second defeat was purely a reach too far in terms of physicality when Dimitry Bivol was unphased by everything Canelo hurled towards him before imposing his power, strength, and boxing I.Q to bag the win.
“A little bit of in-activity from Ryder may also hinder his chances, having just four bouts since his loss to Callum Smith in 2019. Then again, Canelo has only chalked up seven fights in four years, claiming victory in six out of seven.
“Without disbelieving or doubting John’s ability, I just feel the win on Saturday 6th of May in Mexico, is a tall ask. But this is boxing, where dreams are both made and broken. And in John’s case, I sincerely hope it’s not the latter.”
Nathan WeiseSouthern Area title contender
“Well deserved pay day for Ryder but unfortunately that’s all it will be – a pay day. I can’t see this being competitive or even going in to the late rounds, I got Canelo inside five rounds via a body shot. I'll give Ryder the first two minutes of the fight, but that’s it.”
Aqib Tahlat BBN Writer
“It is a good fight, but I do see Canelo winning on points.
“John Ryder had a good win over Danny Jacobs last year and can take a lot of confidence in that win. However I believe Canelo will be too much for Ryder in this time of his career with the experience alongside him being the home crowd favourite.
“Canelo is looking to be on the decline, however is still an elite operator in where he can still beat any 160 and 168 pounders in the world.
“I believe Canelo will win by UD.”
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs John Ryder fight previewHow to watch Canelo vs John Ryder
Canelo-Ryder one-minute fight preview
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