John Ryder predicted he would be standing ‘with five belts on my arm’ at the end of his May 6 fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
The WBO super middleweight mandatory challenger will fight in Mexico against the undisputed 168 lb champion and speaking on DAZN, he was asked if he visualised victory against the legendary fighter.
First up, he was asked if he could believe he would be in Mexico with Canelo for the champion’s first fight in his home country in more than a decade.
He said: “I think I kind of called it anyway. I said I’d love to go to the Azteca, 100,000 Mexicans. Couldn’t quite get the Azteca - 50,000 in Guadalajara - so I’ve called it on now, I’ve got to back it up.
“They were welcoming, I’m sure they won’t be so welcoming in four weeks’ time. Come fight night they’ll be very hostile I imagine. It was good to come face-to-face, to get the fight of your life.”
After a hard-fought career, Ryder was pleased to be getting such a huge opportunity.
He explained: “I think this is the silver lining of my career. I’ve had ups and downs, I’ve taken the knocks. I think this fight has come at the right time, the best mentally and physically I could ever be. I’m really looking forward to it.
“He’s still well up there as one of the pound-for-pound currently, not just that, he’s one of the best of our generation, so in the shortlist of the top five. He’s still dangerous and there’s still maybe the best of him to come.
“Heading to Vegas on April 20th, two weeks beforehand. One week in Vegas then to Guadalajara. Final few days, sharpen the tools.
“It’s gonna be good, we’re gonna have a good crowd out there. The Mexicans love a good fight.”
Despite the odds being stacked against him, Ryder said he imagined: “I think I’ll be stood there with five belts on my arm, weighing me down.
“It all makes for a better story when you look back at your career with your ups and downs, the rough with the smooth.
“It’s going to be some atmosphere but I’m relishing the opportunity, I’m really looking forward to it.”