Official Statement: It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to hang up my gloves and retire from professional boxing.
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 02 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.
I’d like to thank the whole team and Matchroom, especially Eddie, Barry and Frank. My trainer and manager Tony and Charlie Sims and my S&C coach Dan Lawrence for their constant support. And of course, my loving family. My partner Nancy, kids Heidi and Brody, who have given me the strongest ‘why’ possible over the past decade in this sport. I’m blessed to have you all in my corner.
Finally, although my professional career as a boxer is now over, the sport won’t be able to get rid of me that easily and l look forward to officially starting my new career as a coach working alongside Tony at the Matchroom Gym very shortly. There’s no place like home.
Thanks again,
John “The Gorilla” Ryder
We all retire and we all return. Don’t worry, he’ll be back.
Enjoy your retirement for a job well done.
Thank you for the many fights, you were courageous, and win or lose you gave us your all.
Think Ryder got absolutely EVERYTHING he could have gotten out of his career. He truly did the best that he could.
You had a great career and fought the best on your way up. Not all Champions do what toy did so to many of us you ARE a Champion. God Bless You my friend…
Good for him. Good choice to end a successful career
Absolute Warrior….gave fans quality entertainment was professional, respected the sport and represented yourself well..
Should have been world champion. He was robbed vs Smith.
Good riddance, stiff
Far from a stiff
Congratulations on your retirement. Best of luck. You’re a tough brave fighter
Good luck Ryder you humble guy
I wish the best for you and thank you for give everything in the ring
You were not afraid of nobody
Ryder also won the interim world title a couple different times. That’s a massive achievement that most fighters don’t reach, and shouldn’t be overlooked. More importantly he won over the fans and finished his career while still at the world class level. I’ll always be a fan and watch his highlights for years to come!
Congratulations on retirement John! Your fight against Canelo is a classic, he really never solved you! It’s almost as if you out-Canelo-ed him, genius mate! Thanks for always coming in shape and fighting every round of your fights, your strength and stamina set you apart! Can’t wait to see you in the corner! Cheers
Congrats on a great career, a fighters fighter who gave his all and did actually beat a world champ, he just got blatantly robbed by the judges.
You’re a winner John and I’m sure the next phase of your life will bring you many successes.
Good luck and all the best.
Hope he made enough to see him and his family alright in the future.