There are a lot of questions regarding the next fight of Canelo Alvarez, but the latest hint from promoter Eddie Hearn has given huge clairvoyance.
John Ryder is mandatory for Canelo Alvarez’s WBO title
The Matchroom Boxing boss has revealed that Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is “very likely” to face interim WBO 168-pound titlist John Ryder in May in the US, UK or Mexico. Hearn also said talks with his manager and trainer Eddy Reynoso have already begun.
“Fortunately, the opportunity presented itself to John Ryder. He had a great year,” said Hearn, who is the promoter of Ryder. “If Canelo Alvarez is looking for that interim WBO fight, I would love to bring Canelo Alvarez to the UK.”
“It would be huge for British boxing. I think he would like that too, and I think John Ryder deserves this opportunity after the year he’s had and the wins he’s had. So hopefully we can get there,” Hearn added.
Canelo (58-2-2, 39 KOs) is currently recovering from surgery on his left wrist. Last month, the Mexican said therapy was going well and he wanted a “tune-up fight” before facing Dmitry Bivol in a rematch in September 2023 in hopes of avenging the loss from May this year.
Ryder (32−5, 18 KOs), who hails from London, has had a great year in 2022, beating Daniel Jacobs via split decision in February and Zach Parker via fifth-round TKO in November.
By beating Parker – who was forced to pull out of the fight with a broken right hand – Ryder won the interim WBO super middleweight title and became the WBO mandatory challenger for the official title held by Canelo.
The 34-year-old has suffered defeats to Callum Smith, Rocky Fielding and Billy Joe Saunders in his pro career, all of whom have been defeated by Canelo.
