John Ryder says he’s hopeful of receiving news on a potential clash with Canelo Alvarez by the weekend and insists he wouldn’t be there to make the numbers up.
Former World title challenger, Ryder is reportedly in the running to be the Mexican superstar’s September 12 opponent after Billy Joe Saunders ruled himself out.
The Brit has resumed training following the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and is hopeful of being informed by this weekend, giving him eight weeks to prepare for a potential clash.
“They hold all the cards,” Ryder told Pro Boxing Fans.
“If they leave it another couple of weeks and they’re giving you six weeks notice and it’s like do you take it or don’t you?
“Hopefully we know in the next couple of days, it would be nice to know by this weekend, but they’re holding the cards at the moment, they decide when and where [the fight takes place].
“I’m pretty sure they probably know who they want to face already so they’re preparing, but when they’re set on it 100%, hopefully, we’ll find out.
“I’m treating it as if I’m fighting on September 12th, so I’m training hard, I’m in camp, I’m dieting, I’m sparring a bit just keeping my hand in, sparring has not started fully.
“I know that if I don’t fight on September 12th, I’ll probably be out shortly after so I can easily take my foot off the gas and recoup a bit and then get back to it.
“I’m ready, I’m staying ready and praying that I get that call.”
WBA ‘Super’ Super-Middleweight champion Callum Smith is also reportedly in contention, after talks of a May showdown broke down.
Smith, who beat Ryder on a controversial decision last November would also bring the Ring Magazine belt to the table and the 31-year-old admits this could be the determining factor, but says he is a cheaper option than the Liverpudlian.
Asked what the deciding factor for Canelo might be, Ryder added: “More so if they can get Callum [Smith] to agree.
“Obviously the World title belt will trump anything I’ve got to offer and if I’m doing it for a cheaper alternative then that’s the thing.
“The only thing that might help in my favour is that I haven’t got a title and I won’t cost the money Callum is going to cost.”
Canelo is on a 12 fight unbeaten streak since his sole defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and has arguably replaced the five-weight World champion as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport.
However, Ryder insists if he was given his opportunity he fully intends on causing an upset and go one better than Canelo was able to do against Mayweather.
Ryder continued: “Canelo fought Mayweather, so I’m pretty sure that’s how he was looking at it, how I’m looking at Canelo.
“He’s a superstar, he’s the biggest name in boxing, but listen, Canelo’s been there before in fighting Mayweather.
“He came up short like he did, I intend to go out there and make a statement and beat him.”