Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez has spoken about a potential fight with John Ryder in London next year.
Speaking at the unveiling of a statue in his likeness in his hometown of Juanacatlan, Canelo admitted it would be the new year before he makes a decision on who to fight next.
The Mexican superstar said that, although the prospect does interest him, he is focusing on recovering from a hand injury before pencilling in his next opponent.
“It would be interesting to fight [John Ryder] in London. It would be very big.”
“But the truth is I have not negotiated an opponent yet. I’m focused on the rehab of my hand.”
“I’ll see how I feel in January and see what the doctor tells me.”
Ryder defeated countryman Zach Parker earlier this month to claim the WBO interim world title at super middleweight to set up a fight with the Mexican who holds the full version of the title – as well as every other world belt at 168lbs.
Canelo got back to winning ways in September in a trilogy bout against Gennadiy Golovkin after suffering his first defeat in nearly a decade to Dmitry Bivol in May.
It’s understood the pound for pound star’s main target for 2023 will be to secure a rematch with Bivol, however a tune up fight in the first half of the year is expected.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has said in previous interviews he would love to bring the undisputed super middleweight king over to British shores, with the Emirates stadium touted as a possible venue.
Ryder defeated former Canelo opponent Danny Jacobs in the city in early 2022 in a fight that many believe cemented his credentials as a world level fighter.