/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31042225/158010567.0.jpg)
British middleweight prospect John Ryder returns to action this Saturday at London's York Hall, facing Jez Wilson in a British title eliminator set for 10 rounds, which shares the marquee with the next Prizefighter tournament, as well.
Ryder, 25, says he learned a lot from his loss last year to the UK's top domestic middleweight, Billy Joe Saunders, and he's looking to continue improving heading forward.
"If you lose and you learn, it isn't such a bad thing and I will come back a better fighter. I didn't get hurt and I learnt a lot. There are good things to come from me and I will be better for having had that fight, and I will be better over the distance now. ... I have learnt bundles from that fight and it will stand me in good stead in the future, mainly from the rounds and what you have to do to win a title."
Ryder (16-1, 9 KO) was highly competitive and really looked the equal of Saunders, dropping the decision on scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 115-114. His next opponent, Wilson, is 11-1-1 (7 KO) against lesser competition, and will be a major underdog on Saturday.
The winner would be in line for a fight with Saunders, should he hang on to the belt. Saunders has not fought since his September 21 win over Ryder. Ryder last fought on March 15, routing George Kandelaki over six shutout rounds in a tune-up bout.