Wednesday 27 May 2015 11:22, UK
John Ryder wants another crack at undefeated middleweight Billy Joe Saunders - and believes he is now more than capable of avenging his one and only career defeat.
The 26-year-old returns to the ring this Saturday night in a British middleweight title bout with Nick Blackwell at the O2 Arena in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
It will be the second time Ryder has challenged for that particular championship belt, having failed in his attempts to capture it back in 2013 when he fell to a majority decision loss to Saunders.
Two years on from that defeat, Ryder insists he is a much improved fighter and is confident he has enough in his armoury now to defeat world title contender Saunders, if a rematch can be agreed.
"I know the mistakes I made the last time I fought Billy Joe. I have worked on them and had a change of trainer and mindset. I have a ton more self-belief in myself and I am confident I could avenge that loss," Ryder told Sky Sports.
"I am a couple years older and I know what my purpose is. I am enjoying my training a lot more and I'm ready to cause some damage. The loss to Billy is the one I would love to avenge."
I am a couple years older and I know what my purpose is. I am enjoying my training a lot more and I'm ready to cause some damage. The loss to Billy is the one I would love to avenge.
Since losing to Saunders, Ryder has claimed five successive victories, the last of which was an impressive knockout victory over Billi Facundo Godoy, also at the 02 Arena, back in January.
Ryder - once again targeting the first major title of his career - insists his now blemished record has provided him with a sense of freedom in the ring.
"When you have that '0' it is the be all and end all of your career. But when that '0' goes you realise that was overrated and I did not need that," he added.
"Look at Manny Pacquiao, he became one of the world's best pound for pound fighters and he has been knocked out a number of times.
"He has got six losses on his record, but that does not define you as a fighter or as a man. It is how you come back from those losses that make you a true champion.
"Every boxer that starts out would love to retire with a '0' by their name. But, if you don’t, it does not define your career and I'm certainly not going to let it define mine."
Watch Ryder v Blackwell live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Joshua, Mitchell and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin
