Through highs and lows, a journey spanning more than a decade of duking finally comes to an end. ‘The Gorilla’ has called it a day. John Ryder, through an official statement, announced his retirement from professional boxing. Though he will very well stay in touch with the sport in another capacity.

The step follows his defeat to Jaime Munguia last month. The 27-year-old Mexican brought the Londoner’s challenge to an end in the ninth round of their fight at the Footprint Center in Arizona’s Phoenix. On a different scale, months earlier, Ryder’s last campaign to claim a world title met with a similar fate at the hands of Canelo Alvarez. He received widespread acclaim for taking the undisputed champion the whole distance. But the game changed when he went against the young and highly explosive Munguia. However, he made it clear that he wasn’t shutting the doors on boxing.

With Honor and Legacy: John Ryder Steps Down

‘It’s with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to hang my gloves and retire from professional boxing,” said John Ryder. Then he narrated how he had a blast in his career, which lasted nearly fourteen years. From York Hall Leisure Center in London’s Bethnal Green back on September 10, 2020, to the last one at the Footprint Center, it was a dream run for someone coming from Islington.

He said, “Starting in Bethnal Green in 2010 and ending in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been lucky enough to box everywhere… For a boy from Islington, it’s been some run.” Though he couldn’t lay his hands on that coveted world title, his overall accomplishments and experience more than compensated for that deficit. “Although I didn’t manage to win that world title, I’ve achieved and experienced more than I could ever have imagined…” Ryder said.

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Towards the end, on a happy note, he shared about joining the Matchroom gym as a coach. He said, “…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 Tiny (Sims) at the Matchroom Gym shortly…”

John Ryder didn’t forget to express his gratitude to his promotions team, which includes Eddie Hearn, his trainer and manager, and others. Most important of all, he thanked his partner and children for all their love and support and for always being there for him.

Tributes for a Warrior

Unsurprisingly, he received big rounds of applause from several known names.

Lou DiBella still sounds convinced that John Ryder had won the day against Callum Smith: “Congrats, John. You’ve had an admirable, memorable career and reached great heights in #boxing … a true professional. Godspeed. And I’ll always believe that you beat Callum.“

Matthew Hatton shared his happiness that Ryder was not going out of the sport. He said, “Done fantastic, @_John_Ryder_ proper fighter & modern-day warrior. Be proud of your career & achievements. Glad your staying in the sport; boxing needs more like yourself in it. Take care, Champ.“

The Islington-born Southpaw retires with a record of 32 wins, out of which eighteen were knockouts, and seven losses. He can definitely hold his head high, having fought some of the biggest names of our time.

“If John Ryder Beats Me, I’m Done” – Canelo Alvarez

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