“The Gorilla” has hung up the weaponry.
Perennial super middleweight contender John Ryder has announced his retirement from boxing after a 13-year career. The 35-year-old Englishman, who twice fought for a world title, suffered a one-sided stoppage defeat at the hands of Mexico’s Jaime Munguia in his final fight on January 27. “It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to hang up my gloves and retire from professional boxing,” Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs) said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I’ve been absolutely blessed to have the most amazing career over the past 14 years. Starting in Bethnal Green in 2010 and ending in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been lucky enough to box everywhere from the O2 Arena, T-Mobile in Vegas, Alexandra Palace, Manchester Arena to Guadalajara in Mexico. For a boy from Islington, it’s been some run.
“Although I didn’t manage to win that world title, I’ve achieved and experienced more than I could ever have imagined when I first put on a pair of boxing gloves, and I wouldn’t change that for any belt.”
Ryder thanked his coaching team, promoters, and “loving family.” The popular southpaw added: “My partner Nancy [and] kids Heidi and Brody have given me the strongest ‘why’ possible over the past decade in this sport. I’m blessed to have you all in my corner.”
However, Ryder won’t be leaving the sport entirely. He will soon return to the gym with a new title. “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 Tony [Sims] at the Matchroom Gym very shortly. There’s no place like home.”
Ryder’s biggest win came against Daniel Jacobs in 2022 when the Briton won a close split decision against the former world champion in London. The win was somewhat controversial, as some thought Jacobs had done enough to win the fight.
The underdog refused to give up. A controversial win over Daniel Jacobs, followed by a victory over previously unbeaten contender Zach Parker, earned Ryder a shot at boxing’s biggest star, undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Although he got dropped and ultimately lost a 12-round unanimous decision, Ryder gave the pound-for-pound great a tough, competitive fight before 50,000 fans.
But after suffering four knockdowns against Munguia last month, Ryder has decided to draw the final curtain. Although he never won a world title, he gave it his all in every fight.
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