John Ryder: A lot of fighters will now think they can beat Callum Smith

John Ryder might be highly disappointed that he didn’t manage to get the decision win over Callum Smith, one that many believe he rightfully deserved, but he’s not exactly hanging his head about it. Ryder says he strangely still sort of feels like a newly crowned champion anyway due to the overwhelming support he’s received from his fans and strangers alike in the aftermath of the official decision.

Still, though, Ryder wishes he had the formal win to go along with his sense of accomplishment due to his performance this past weekend.

“We were chuffed at the performance, angry at the decision. It’s a shame that my dream didn’t come true on that night, because it should have done.”

After Ryder says that he doesn’t necessarily expect to get a second shot at Smith — with Smith looking to land a marquee fight against Canelo or Golovkin — but says he thinks more than a few other super middleweights might be looking to get in there with Smith now.

“Billy Joe Saunders will now be brimming with confidence and will believe he can beat Smith. Billy Joe has an unbelievable jab, and I out-jabbed Smith. A lot of fighters will now think they can beat Smith.”

But trying to maintain a positive state of mind, Ryder concludes by saying that he thinks he’ll get another world title shot in his next outing, saying the WBA’s regular title has been in the talks. We’ll have to wait and see how that all works out for him...