Geography/history epic for Canelo Vs Ryder in Guadalajara

Undisputed super middleweight champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez is ready to confront and fight audacious British John Ryder on Saturday at the Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Both fighters were face to face, cheek to jowl with a scowl, at a press conference in Guadalajara, prior to the mega homecoming. Terse was the order of the day with adverse points of view.

Eddie Hearn: “This fight was wanted by many places and countries, but Canelo and Eddie Reynoso decided that it should be in Guadalajara. This is a great city, and we will surely see one of the best atmospheres in the sport and be able to celebrate a great card.”

Tony Sims, Ryder’s coach: “We thank the people of Mexico for the welcome. We come from London, we come from humble origins, and we feel very honored to be here. As for the fight, Ryder has had a rough road to get here. We thank Canelo for the opportunity to fight for his titles. We are going to have a great fight and we will see a fantastic night.”

John Ryder: “Thank you Guadalajara for welcoming me back. We had a great training camp in Los Angeles and here we put the finishing touches. I thank everyone involved and my team for the trust and opportunity. I will give everything in the ring to win the world titles. I will not miss this opportunity.”

Mauricio Sulaimán, WBC President: “Welcome to Mexico John, I want to reiterate that the selected ring officials will be neutral and very professional, so the best one will win above the ring. Every year, May 5 and September 16 are characterized as a festival date for boxing. The WBC has manufactured a special belt for this fight, a jewel created by artisan genius from the cultures of Puebla and Jalisco, which is a recognition for the winner and a gift from Mexico to the world. May the best man win.”

Eddie Reynoso: “We expect a complicated fight. Our rival has defeated top tier fighters so that makes him a risk. We are very proud of what we have built over many years. I hope people enjoy this great fight.”

Canelo Álvarez: “I am grateful to my team, to the people and to the press. I am very happy to fight in my homeland and to be able to give them a great fight. We are a few days away from getting into the ring. I hope you enjoy this event as much as I do.”

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; John Ryder speaks at the final press conference for his May 6th fight against Canelo Alvarez in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Mauricio Suliaman speaks at the final press conference for the May 6th fight card in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Saul Canelo Alvarez speaks at the final press conference for his May 6th fight against John Ryder in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Saul Canelo Alvarez speaks at the final press conference for his May 6th fight against John Ryder in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Saul Alvarez and John Ryder pose at the final press conference for their May 6th fight in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Saul Alvarez and John Ryder pose at the final press conference for their May 6th fight in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

May 3, 2023; Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEX; Saul Alvarez and John Ryder pose at the final press conference for their May 6th fight in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

Photos By Matchroom.