Following John Ryder’s win over Zach Parker last night, his promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that he has already been in touch with the team of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, with the Brit in line for a first world title fight.
Ryder overcame the previously unbeaten Parker, as his opponent was forced to retire due to a hand injury. Hearn, who was attending the Dillian Whyte-Jermaine Franklin fight, believes his man would have got the stoppage regardless.
In an interview on the Matchroom YouTube channel, Hearn said:
“I’m so pleased for Johnny Ryder. Since he beat Daniel Jacobs, we’ve been looking for this big fight, we didn’t expect it to be Zach Parker. He came through, great performance, just too much for Zach Parker. I think Zach Parker had an injured hand, but John Ryder was getting to him, and I believe [he] would have stopped him anyway.”
The promoter then jumped on a Facetime with Ryder to congratulate him and tell him he’s made contact with Canelo’s team about making that fight in London next year.
“Unbelievable! Well done mate! I’m so proud of you well done.
I’ve already put the text in to Reynoso. It’s got to be the Emirates right? Is Wembley okay, or can it be Tottenham stadium or is that going to cause you a few problems? It’s Canelo Alvarez against John Ryder in London.”
Emirates ?
Wembley ?
Spurs ?
Orient ??️ "I've already put the text in to @CANELOTEAM!" – @EddieHearn talks to @_John_Ryder_ after The Gorilla locked in his mandatory spot to Canelo ? pic.twitter.com/Op6XihLkIG
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 26, 2022
As far as stadiums go, Hearn’s first suggestion was the Emirates Stadium, home to Ryder’s beloved Arsenal FC. This would be the first major boxing event at Arsenal Football Club since Muhammad Ali travelled to England and knocked out Henry Cooper, back in 1966.
Although the thought of fighting at the Emirates would be the perfect scenario for Ryder and British boxing fans, Ryder insisted that he doesn’t really care where the fight takes place, telling Hearn “Wherever you want mate, I’ll do it anywhere”.
Meanwhile, Canelo has revealed he wishes to fight in May, most likely on Cinco De Mayo, before rematching Dmitry Bivol in September. This means that the bout would collide with the Premier League football calendar, however Arsenal are away from home on that date.
