John Ryder has retired from the sport of boxing at 35-years-old.
‘The Gorilla’, who ends his career with a record of 32 wins, 7 losses and 18 knockouts, has come off the back of two punishing defeats at the hands of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Jaimie Munguia.
Prior to that, he had built up a string of four wins that saw him pick up the WBO Super-Middleweight Interim title – the second time he held such a belt. A stalwart on the British scene following a 35-fight amateur career, Ryder’s tough front-foot style out of the southpaw stance provided fans with many great nights under the lights.
His statement, which sums it up well, can be read in full below.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to hang up my gloves and retire from professional boxing.
I’ve been absolutely blessed to have the most amazing career over the past 14 years. Starting in Bethnal Green in 2010 and ending in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been lucky enough to box everywhere from The 02 Arena, T-Mobile in Vegas, Alexandra Palace, Manchester Arena to Guadalajara in Mexico. For a boy from Islington, it’s been some run.
Although I didn’t manage to win that World Title, I’ve achieved and experienced more than I could ever have imagined when I first put on a pair of boxing gloves and I wouldn’t change that for any belt.
I’d like to thank the whole team and Matchroom, especially Eddie, Barry and Frank. My trainer and manager Tony and Charlie Sims and my S&C coach Dan Lawrence for their constant support. And of course, my loving family. My partner Nancy, kids Heidi and Brody, who have given me the strongest ‘why’ possible over the past decade in this sport. I’m blessed to have you all in my corner.
Finally, although my professional career as a boxer is now over, the sport won’t be able to get rid of me that easily and I look forward to officially starting my new career as a coach working alongside Tony at the Matchroom Gym very shortly. There’s no place like home.
Thanks again, John ‘The Gorilla’ Ryder”