Canelo Alvarez and John Ryder contest the Mexican’s undisputed super middleweight status on May 6, live on DAZN, in Canelo’s first fight in his home country in years.
It had been suggested that Canelo was keen to make his bow in Britain as he looks to cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time, but many will see a return to Mexico as an attempt to reassert his prominence and reputation back home.
Ryder has been granted a mandatory fight as Canelo’s first bout after surgery last year, and while Canelo is waiting for a rematch with WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, his belts are at risk if he does not successfully face down his British challenger.
Speaking on the DAZN Boxing Show, Akin Reyes believes all eyes will be on Canelo.
“I can’t imagine how lit Mexico is going to be when Canelo makes his return to fight John Ryder, a credible fighter who is coming to fight, not coming for a cheque,” he began.
“He’s a bit out of his league in his skill level in my opinion. Canelo wants to make a statement at home. We all know he wants a rematch with Bivol but he has to get past a game fighter.”
Barak Bess thinks Ryder deserves his shot.
“I believe John Ryder earned it,” he said. “He had that win over Daniel Jacbos. I think Jacobs won that fight but it was a close fight nonetheless, so to get the victory still says a lot.
“He does deserve it. When I heard it was going to be in Mexico I was totally surprised because I know Canelo wanted to fight in the UK and I know John Ryder, I know how the UK loves boxing. I never thought that they would bring John Ryder to Mexico, that sounds great to me.
“When you get the opportunity of a lifetime you go hard in training, and John Ryder is going to go hard, and has confidence coming off a good victory, and he is naturally the bigger man.
“I’ve always said Canelo doesn’t even belong at 168, he’s just that good. The pressure is on Canelo to win the love and the hearts of his people .”