John Ryder, a distinguished figure in British boxing, has officially announced his retirement from professional boxing. At the age of 35, after more than 14 years gracing the ring with his skill and tenacity, Ryder has decided to hang up his gloves. This decision comes in the wake of his most recent fight, signaling Ryder’s readiness to embark on the next chapter of his life.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his and Matchroom Boxing's social media channels, Ryder expressed his deep gratitude for the incredible journey boxing has provided him. “It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision to retire from professional boxing,” Ryder stated. From his early days in Bethnal Green in 2010 to his final bout in Phoenix, Arizona, Ryder’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, taking him to iconic venues around the world, including The O2 Arena in London, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and even Guadalajara, Mexico.
Ryder’s professional record stands at an impressive 32-7, with 18 knockouts, alongside two interim super middleweight title reigns. His final fight against Jaime Munguia on January 27 in Phoenix marked the end of an era for Ryder, who has consistently proven himself against the sport's best, despite facing setbacks.
Reflecting on his career, Ryder acknowledged the heights he reached and the experiences he cherished, emphasizing that the journey itself was more valuable than any title could ever be. “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,” he remarked.
Image Credit: Sky Sports