John Ryder says his dreams are at stake when he faces Daniel Jacobs next month.
The super-middleweight clash at the Alexandra Palace, London, live on DAZN, will push the winner one step nearer to a world title fight with the two men in the top 5 of the WBC (Jacobs) and the WBA (Ryder). For Islington’s Ryder a win over Jacobs will go some way to banishing the memory of his narrow and somewhat controversial loss to Callum Smith for the Liverpudlian’s WBA world title two years ago.
Another high-profile loss for ‘The Gorilla’ at this stage of his career would significantly derail his lifelong world title dream but he believes this is his time to shine.
“This is the fight I need to really bring the best out in me,” said Ryder (30-5, 17 KOs).
“Jacobs is a great fighter but he has had his time and now it’s my time to shine! My dreams are at stake on February 12 and destiny awaits. It’s time to get right back to where I need to be.”
Former two-weight world champion Jacobs says he will fulfil a dream of his when he fights in London, an overseas visit which will be just the third time in his career he has fought outside of America.
“I’m super excited to be returning to the ring,” said Jacobs (37-3, 30 KOs). “It has always been a dream of mine to fight in London as a professional, and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of a great crowd. I’m putting my best foot forward on February 12.”