John Ryder says he will beat hard-hitting Sergey Khomitsky
Wednesday 27 January 2016 15:01, UK
John Ryder is hoping to out-box Sergey Khomitsky and move back into the British middleweight mix.
The Islington fighter takes on the Belarusian, who is best-known for stopping Adam Etches and Frank Buglioni in the last two years, live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday night.
Ryder (21-2-KO12) is looking to become a contender again following a shock loss to Nick Blackwell last year and admits the Khomitsky (30-12-3-KO13) bout is make or break.
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But while he knows he cannot stay out of trouble for the full 12 rounds if he wants to win the vacant WBA International middleweight title, he believes he has the skill-set to come out on top and move himself back up the British rankings.
"It's massive fight for me," he told Sky Sports' Ed Robinson. "I've been in this situation before when I wanted to fight him but this time it's on.
"I've just got to box him. Everybody's seen Khomitsky and knows what he's about and can do, so he's there to be respected. He's got power in both hands and if you don't respect that, he's going to take you out.
I've watched him non-stop in the run-up and there's lots of things he does well but there are things he does I think I can get the better of.
"At times I am going to have to meet him head-on, but I've got to be sensible and get my shots off. It's going to be hard to win the fight just on the back foot, throwing the jab.
"He's going to come in throwing his bombs at times, so it's got to be both ways.
"I've watched him non-stop in the run-up and there's lots of things he does well but there are things he does I think I can get the better of. I'm looking forward to it."
Ryder, under the guidance of trainer Tony Sims, has changed his approach with everything 'spot-on' and 'no stone unturned' in camp.
He has changed his diet, has moved away from his girlfriend and baby and hardly seen any of his friends in the build-up to the Copper Box showdown.
The Arsenal fan is still only 27, a full 14 years younger than Khomitsky, and is confident his new outlook plus his opponent's advancing years will see him win on the undercard to George Groves' return.
"A lot of fights of his I've watched, they target his head but he seems quite steady up there," he said.
"But somewhere on his body he is going to show signs of ageing and over the course of 12 rounds I am going to find out where that is and take full advantage.
"All I am seeing is a win. It's not arrogance or over-confidence, I've done so many things different in this camp that I've never done before."
