John Ryder knows what it’s like to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and has now made a prediction of what might happen should the champion face David Benavidez.
British super middleweight Ryder challenged Alvarez for all four of his world titles back in May at the Estadio Akron in Mexico. He put in a solid showing and bravely pushed Canelo across 12 competitive rounds before ultimately losing a unanimous decision.
Ryder is enjoying something of an Indian summer in his career, having beaten the likes of Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker in two of his last three fights despite now being 35.
Next up he will face Jaime Munguia on January 27 out in Phoenix in another stern test. A win would put him back at the top of the division, joining one David Benavidez who is hot on Canelo’s heels and looking for a fight. The 26-year-old has beaten both Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade this year in impressive fashion.
Speaking to Boxing Social about the potential all-Mexican affair, Ryder praised his former opponent.
“Tough fight for Canelo but he’s very evasive, he’s very tactical. He knows what he wants to throw and when he wants to throw it.”
Ryder then discussed the natural size of Benavidez, what making weight might take out of him and how that plays into Canelo’s hands.
“Benavidez is huge at the weight, massive at the weight. I think he takes something out of himself to make that weight and I don’t think his punch power is there. I think the skills of Canelo can negate the power and I can only see a Canelo win.”
Most believe a fight with Benavidez is the best that can be made in the super-middleweight division, but the champion has said fans may have to wait a while longer.