Angel to Arizona - John 'The Gorilla' Ryder. The remarkable career journey of one of Britain's most respected and loved Fighters.

I wonder if anyone could have predicted what lay ahead when a fresh-faced young resident of Islington walked through the doors of Angel ABC all those years ago?

In his time at the famous St. John Street Gym, John Ryder would chalk up an impressive amateur record of 30 wins from 35 fights. No mean feat, included in those victories would be 2 x Senior National Novice Championships, along with the North West of London ABA Middleweight Title. Often when you hear people speak of amateur boxers, they will say 'I think he/she will be well suited to the pro game'. I can certainly imagine that John's trainers at Angel ABC, the much respected Colin Lake and Ivor 'The Engine' Jones, will have been discussing. They will have seen the similarities between a man Colin would eventually guide to World honors in the pro game, Colin 'Dynamo' Dunne, and a young Ryder.

Colin, a fellow Liverpudlian of mine who fought out of Holloway, lifted his World Title on a memorable February night in 1999 when beating the classy South African Phillip Holiday. Coincidentally, I was part of the promotional team that put on that World Title show, what a night it was. Colin made his pro debut in 1993 at York Hall so it was fitting that 7 years on, the first ring walk that John would make in the professional ranks would be at that very same iconic venue.

THE PRO CAREER COMMENCES

John entered the ring at York Hall to face Ben Deghani. 'The Gorilla' duly took care of business with a 1st round KO. The journey was under way. Guided by Colin Lake John settled into the new code comfortably, amassing 15 straight wins. Amongst those wins, one of the best would have to be the very impressive 8th round KO of Irishman Eamon O'Kane in December 2012. I remember that, Eamon, who carried the nickname 'Killer Kane' was much touted at the time having built a nice 8-0 record en route to his bout with John. In the event, the ring intelligence that John would carry with him, combined with what I felt was his somewhat underrated power, won the day. 2013 saw John continue in the same fine vein of form bringing record to a perfect 15-0. Then came his opportunity to fight for one of the most prestigious titles in British Boxing.

THE BRITISH TITLE

September 2013, The Copper Box, London. John faced off against fellow Southpaw Billy Joe Saunders with Billy Joe's British and Commonwealth Titles on the line. The bout turned into a tense, tight, affair, as many would have expected with two very talented, intelligent, fighters trading leather. At the end of the contest the three scoring judges delivered scores of 115-114 and 115-113 twice in favour of Billy Joe, for sure illustrating just how close a contest it was. Maybe the fact that this was John's first experience of going the 12 round distance proved crucial at this stage in his career, however there were plenty that thought that at least a draw may have been warranted. Subsequent events would dictate that this would not be the last time that John would have to go behind 'enemy lines' in a bid to secure the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Belt.

The show, which took place at The Olympia London, was promoted by Frank Warren. As was the fashion in those days, which many will testify to, Frank's shows did tend to finish a tad late shall we say! So it was that my great friend and mentor Terry Toole and I, along with another friend, left the arena, pulled down our night vision goggles and set off back to Essex. Whilst obviously disappointed, we were also heartened by the fact that we witnessed, as we saw it, the coming of age of 'The Gorilla' in the Pro ranks as he demonstrated with his performance just what a quality fighter he had become.

A NEW CHAPTER

In the aftermath of the Billy Joe contest John took what would have been not an easy decision to take by changing trainers from Colin Lake to Tony Sims. Tony was of course very close to John having guided him in a managerial capacity so far in his Pro career. It was actually in Tony's Hainault gym that I first met John myself some thirteen or so years ago. John, then still with Colin would be a regular visitor to the gym for regular sparring sessions with the likes of Darren Barker, Lee Purdey and others. I think it's fair to say that when the partnership with Tony was formed, both men knew exactly what they were getting.

Back to that sparring for a moment, Darren Barker, still to this day, is full of praise of how the sparring with John was such an important factor in his own amazing career which of course peaked with that memorable night night in August 2013 when he defeated Daniel Geale to take the World Middleweight Title.

THE NEW PARTNERSHIP GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS

Virtually six months to the day of the Billy Joe fight, John entered the ring in my home town of Liverpool at The Echo Arena to face Georgi Kandelaki, any inactivity was brushed away with a solid 6 rounds points win. This was a good start, however the city of Liverpool would later prove to be anything but a happy hunting ground for 'The Gorilla'!

Three further wins followed and John now stood at a record of 20-1. The British Middleweight Title was now vacant and the match was made, John would face Nick Blackwell at the 02 Arena, another bite at the cherry.

The result, a 7th round win for Blackwell which, it has to be was a major shock, well maybe not for my old friend Gary Lockett and Nick, but certainly for everyone concerned with John. To me, this result, and performance, was a significant pointer to the fact that 'The Gorilla' was certainly beginning to outgrow the Middleweight division. Maybe though, it could just have been an off night? That question would be answered in the 4th of the fights that followed.

On 24th September 2016 John faced Jack Arnfield at The Manchester Arena in a defence of the WBA International Middleweight Title he had won with a 12 rounds decision over the then 'upset man' teak tough Sergei Khamitski in January that year.

The fight with Arnfield would see a lack lustre John struggle to get any momentum going at all and Arnfield was declared the winner taking that WBA Title into the process.

The question was answered, the time had come, the Super Middleweight division beckoned.

THE RYDER RENAISSANCE

The journey at Super Middleweight with a quality unanimous decision over the ever dangerous Adam Etches in Feb 2017. Only the dogged determination of Etches prevented John from marking his arrival with a stoppage, having had his man in serious trouble towards the end of the contest. The win provided another bonus, another crack at the British Title this time the vacant Super Middleweight Title. The opponent,hometown favourite Rocky Fielding, the venue, yes, back at The Echo Arena in my hometown of Liverpool. The result, a split decision in favour of Rocky with the three judges returning scores of 115-114 and 116-113 to Rocky and a score of 115-114 to John.

Now I was in John's corner for this fight and putting any perceived bias aside, I felt he had done enough. I remarked to John at the end that it was close, but we as a team felt he had it. Liverpool hadn't finished with Team Ryder yet!

'THIS IS A MUST WIN FIGHT FOR JOHN'

A phrase I heard uttered so many times, and certainly before each of the next four contests that John would undertake following the British Title disappointment in Liverpool.

As many of you will already know, I have often stated how proud of every second I've stood alongside John with Tony and the Team through his career, no matter the result. However to be privileged enough to be on the inside and recognise the magnitude of the task ahead and the pressure it can put on one man, makes me in awe of just how John Ryder performed in these next 4 contests.

The opponents, Patrick Neilsen, October 2017. John in the 'away' corner. the No1 WBA Contender Neilsen felt the full force of 'The Gorilla' and was despatched in spectacular fashion in round 5 after first being poleaxed in round 2. The clips of this action are now a social media staple, go watch it, for me personally it will live long in the memory.

Jamie Cox, May 2018 a beautiful manoevre from John off the ropes, combined with a slick right hook to the temple, securing the 2nd round stoppage. Andrey Sirotkin October 2018 with a record of 15-0 the dangerous and awkward switch hitting Russian scored well to open a cut by John's left eye. John was not to be denied though and folded Sirotkin with a vicious body shot in the 7th with the fight eventually waved off in the 8th.

Bilal Akkawy May 2019 under the bright lights of the then Capital of Boxing, Las Vegas. the hard hitting Australian a permanent member of Canelo's sparring team had amassed his own impressive record of 20 wins, no losses, 1 draw when he stood across the ring from Islington's finest. The following 3 rounds of action saw John produce a masterclass. The fight began with a cautious opening round, round two though would provide the demanding Vegas audience just what they were looking for. As Akkawy started to show a bit of confidence he moved in on John only to be met with the sweetest of counter right hooks which put him on his back, his look of bewilderment said it all. By the way, when John came back to the corner at the end of the first round, Tony told him "He's gonna look to get in real close to you this round John, when he doe's, he's wide open for that right hook" Tony couldn't have explained it more clearly. When Akkawy made the predicted move, John delivered an absolute peach of a right hook and down he went. A thing of beauty and a fantastic example of a trainer and fighter in complete harmony. Round three commenced and John wasted no time in jumping all over his opponent, a beautiful uppercut leaving referee Jay Nader no option but to save Akkawy and call finish to proceedings.

Four 'Win at All Costs Fights' Four Emphatic Victories.

OH HELLO, ITS LIVERPOOL AGAIN!

Here we go again, John back in the away corner. Nothing new there of course, this time however he was facing one of the premier Super Middleweights in the World, Liverpool's own Callum Smith 26-0, the all conquering WBC Diamond Champion, WBA Super Champion, Ring Magazine Champion, and of course World Super Series Champion. No question, the toughest challenge of John Ryder's career at that stage. However as a team, we were more than quietly confident that John could get the job done. This confidence stemmed from the fact that Tony had envisaged for a long time that this opportunity would present itself and had steadfastly and meticulously prepared a plan that was geared to result in victory for John.

A tough fight ensued and as the final bell rang at the end of those twelve rounds Tony and the rest of us were confident that John had delivered his instructions to perfection and waited for the judges to confirm just that.

The three wise men then delivered a unanimous decision in favour of Callum of 116-112, 116-112, and 117-111 ( no that last score is not a typo ) to say we were astonished is an understatement. No blame can be attributed to Callum of course, the fighters don't score the fights. Now Tony is a man who doesn't waste his words but when he spoke these words after the contest, he spoke for all of us and indeed many fans and others within the game.

"Its ruined a kid's life and it's getting on my nerves. I'm telling the kid's in the gym 'Do everything right and everything will come to you' But John did everything right and it didn't come to him did it, it makes me look like I' m telling lies to these kids "

Just for another perspective on the scoring, respected commentators Mike Costello and Steve Bunce both scored the draw, whilst Eddie Reynoso, Canelo's trainer commented on social media 'Ryder won that fight and won it well '

JUST REWARDS - SOMETIMES THE GOOD GUYS WIN

John Ryder could have been forgiven if he had walked out of that Arena into the dark Liverpool night with thoughts of walking away from the sport he loved. However apart from his dream of winning a World Title, I know that his main priority has always been to secure a better life for himself and partner Nancy and their beautiful kids Heidi and Brody.

Victory that night would have delivered the prize that every Super Middleweight craved, a shot at the P4P Superstar, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and along with it the financial reward to achieve his number one priority. Thankfully, the Boxing Gods showed better judgement than the officials and decreed that a man of John's quality deserved to have his day in the sun, fate was in motion.

A year on from the Callum Smith fight, with a little intervention from Covid, John made his return to the ring. A trip to Orlando and victory over American Mike Guy was followed by a September 2021 away trip to Klagenfurt Austria where he handed the popular Josef Zurko a 5th round defeat. It would be another year till a stellar name appeared on the horizon to test John's resolve to the limit once more. That man was of course 'The Miracle Man' Daniel Jacobs.

So it was that they faced off at the Alexandra Palace on February 12th 2022. This time the talk was all about that the fight represented a must win for both men. Nothing new there then, especially in Johns case. He had already seen Jacobs quality at close quarters, as a spectator after taking his seat in Vegas to watch the Canelo v Jacobs fight which topped the bill where he himself had earlier defeated Akkawy.

The Jacobs fight turned out to be a tricky affair that only caught fire in stages, John doing the best of his work into the later rounds which probably edged the split decision his way. Now it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention the fact that there were those who saw the result going the other way. However believe me, if there was ever a case of a man who deserved to eventually get something like the rub of the green his way, then it was John.

ONE STEP AWAY

Nov 26th 2022 and the stars aligned. Following the withdrawal of Demetrius Andrade, Frank Warren was looking for a replacement to face his hitherto unbeaten prospect Zach Parker who's record stood at 22-0. The official prize to the winner, the vacant WBO Interim Super Middleweight World Title, the significant bonus, the opportunity to face the man himself Canelo. What looked to have disappeared over a cliff edge on that fateful Liverpool night in 2019, now reappeared over the top of a hill. 'The Gorilla' was all in!

So to the fight. John started the contest in his usual considered style, taking a good look at Parker who had immediately adopted his usual style of hands low, and flicking away with the jab. Tony knew that once John was fully tuned in, then that was when the fight would catch fire. Sure enough in round 4 John closed the gap and landed a good shot just prior to the bell. Then as the interval before round 5 was taking place I could see from the stool that something was going on in the opposite corner. It transpired that Zach had broken his hand in the previous round and was unable to continue. It was an injury that would require immediate surgery, whilst this was more than unfortunate for Zach, who by the way had been a class act right through out the proceedings leading up to the fight, we were steadfast in our conviction that John had started to take over the fight.

In the end, the result now meant that one thing was now virtually guaranteed, John would soon have a date with the ultimate dance partner Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

Vivo El Gorila !!

It had been 11 years since Canelo had fought in his native country, something that irked many of his supporters very much. It was only when Team Ryder got to our Guadalarja Hotel that just how significant their disappointment was. From day one of arrival John was surrounded by Mexican fans asking for pictures. Plenty made their views clear by declaring how they would love to see John win, very surprising of course, but very welcome!

Well if they loved him then, then for sure they loved him even more once they saw 'The Gorilla' in action.

It was clear that on that red hot night of May 6th 2023 in the Stadio Akron, Zapopan, Canelo wanted to deliver a spectacular KO performance. I walked to the ring behind John and the rest of the team, my mucka Kevin Mitchell just ahead of me. As we got closer to the ring, Kevin in his own inimitable fashion turned to me and said "Bill! "look how small this effin ring is!" When I looked myself I thought someone had bought it from Toys'R'Us!

Obviously Canelo had decided he would leave John little room to manoeuvre and employ his usual masterful tactics of cutting the ring down ready to pounce at any given moment. Well, in John that night he was facing a man who was supremely focused, confident and dead set on spoiling the party and taking the Champions IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO Belts.

The first major event came when in round two, just nearing the bell, Canelo delivered an astonishing uppercut that broke John's nose and immediately sent blood running down his throat. This hampered John's breathing terribly and he was forced to stand up between rounds for the majority of the rounds. Props must go to fellow cornerman Mark Seltzer for doing a great job in trying to alleviate the obvious discomfort John was suffering. Round five brought more trouble when he was put down by a one, two from the Mexican Legend. At this point, not many would have given John much chance of seeing the final bell. It has to be said though that a good while before this fight took place, Tony proclaimed to me that if the fight were to happen, then Canelo would not stop John. Proved to be spot on, again.

The sight of John beckoning Canelo to him in the ninth round, was pure Rocky stuff and again, a memory that I shall never forget.

Canelo now knows that John Ryder had not just come to his own backyard with a mission of just surviving. Looking at John in the after fight press conference he was absolutely crestfallen, he wanted that ultimate prize and whilst everyone was heaping praise on his astonishing performance, it was no real consolation at that moment. To focus just on John's bravery in that fight does him an injustice. It takes much more to stay competitive with such a special fighter as Canelo. Steve Bunce hit the nail on the head when he himself paised John's bravery but also flagged up the fact that he had not just taken rounds from the Champion but had also been competitive in others.

When Canelo, who was marked up himself by the way, faced the Press after John he was asked if he had just beaten the toughest challenger from all the Brits he had faced, he didn't hesitate in his reply "Yes I'd say so"

Now that's what I call a good judge!

THE LAST DANCE - JAIME MUNGUIA

To say the Canelo fight was gruelling is definitely something of an understatement. Never mind the obvious physical toll it can take, but it can be tough to recover from mentally too. It also leaves people with thoughts of just exactly what has it taken out of a fighter. Well that question would be answered some 9 months later when Team Ryder headed to Phoenix, Arizona with John ready to face one of the hottest talents in boxing Jaime Munguia. The young Mexican had amassed a perfect 42-0 record prior to facing John and was touted by many as the heir apparent to the Super Middleweight crown held by Canelo.

On a personal note I sadly couldn't make this trip but of course was on the edge of the sofa back home ready to roar John one. At this point, I'd just like to say that when you have been around someone in and out of the ring for many years, like I had been with John, you get a feeling of how they look when they are right on it. That night as I watched John exit that dressing room in Phoenix I had a sense of foreboding, he just didn't look like the John Ryder I had come to know. The fact that in the resulting contest he would suffer 4 knockdown's prior to the 9th round stoppage led me to believe that his supreme effort in Guadalarja had indeed drained an enormous amount out of him. It has to be said though that nothing should be taken away from Jaime Munguia as he was exceptional that evening and I echo Tony's thoughts that the man turned out to be even better than expected.

And so, after a short period of reflection for John it was made official, approaching 36, the curtain was finally coming down. This man 'The Gorilla' had given everything of himself and more . He was determined to use every bit if undoubted talent and bravery to achieve the very best that he could. He had succeeded in laying the foundations for a better future for his lovely family, but didn't manage to get that coveted World Title, the world and his dog know however that he would have achieved that aim if there were any justice. It was a World Title that did not somehow slip from his grasp, but rather was ripped from his grip on that November night in 2019 in my hometown of Liverpool.

After that night John was widely acclaimed as The Peoples Champ, but John Ryder was oh so much more. His boxing career was truly one to be proud of, one truly intelligent ring craftsman, full of humility and class through every step of his remarkable journey.

A journey that saw him come out financially ok, in rude health, and some unbelievable achievements and the respect of the people. What's not to like about that?

Some Fighter, Some Man, John 'The Gorilla' Ryder

YOU DON'T GET RID OF ME THAT EASY!

There's no doubt that Tony Sims had earmarked John top play a major part in his team once his career inside the ropes was reaching the latter stages. So it was no surprise when that training partnership was confirmed earlier this year. Having guided him throughout his career Tony knew exactly what he would be getting for sure. It would have been a travesty for a man of John's calibre to have exited the sport so quickly, so the news when it came was very welcome indeed to all who know him and hold him in such high regard, including myself.

I feel the combination of Tony & John together will prove to be a formidable force. I see so many similarities in both men, high ring intelligence, wise advice, advice that is given in a direct, honest, no nonsense way with no words wasted. One thing I tell people about working alongside Tony in the corner is that the man is calmness personified, something I see in John too. Of course when there's an element of urgency required, both are quick off the mark too! On my recent trip to the gym I saw John working with the talented female fighters Maisey Rose and new signing, former GB boxer Shona Whitwell.

I also spent the early morning stint with John as the two young guns George Liddard and Jimmy Sains pulled the weighted sledge up and down the inclines of the inclines of the rural Brentwood countryside, not for the faint hearted!

One thing for sure, all four fighters showed me what they had in common, they already had a healthy regard for the new assistant coach. Whether it be holding the pads in front of them, or loading up the dreaded sledge, they know that only a very short time ago it was John himself doing exactly the same routines as them. Whether they need advice about matters in the ring or out of it, they now have another voice alongside Tony who has been through every experience imaginable, the highs, lows, heartbreak and joy all experienced and handled in his own unique way.

That can only be a good thing for these young talents now looking to carve their own unique journey in this toughest of sports. It's no doubt the gym is now in a transition period, with the boxing retirement of John and 2 x World Champ Joe Cordina moving, of course we still have Conor benn who will return soon, there's an opportunity for someone to come through and be the one/ones to experience those big big nights that everyone loves. I think that's something that's sure to be achieved with Tony & John in tandem leading the way.

I'm All In!

Till The Next Time. BM

SHOULD RYDER BE A RETIRED WORLD CHAMPION?

• YES
• NO