Like everyone else, super middleweight contender John Ryder is sitting on the sidelines and waiting for his next opportunity in the ring.
Ryder (28-5, 16 KOs) has been out of the ring since losing a twelve round decision to WBA world champion Callum Smith in November of last year.
There were many observers who felt Ryder had done enough to earn a decision win over Smith.
There is no anger in the direction of Smith, but Ryder is not very happy with the scores of 116-112, 117-111, 116-112 for Smith.
Ryder believes his trainer Tony Sims put together the perfect game plan to take down Smith.
"I still feel like I won the fight. My anger isn't towards Callum Smith, it's the judging. I think it's ridiculous someone had it to Smith by six rounds. There's no way. If it had been a draw or they'd given it to Smith by one round, you could wipe your mouth of it and say, 'well, I knew I needed to get the knockout.' The scorecards were just so far from the truth, it leaves a sour taste," Ryder told Sky Sports.
"The plan was basically to take his (Smith's) advantages away, his height. He's very good at his catch-counter. He's very good up close, he's very good at range. So, get in mid-range where he's not fighting to his strengths, outwork him, be sensible with head movement, high guard to catch the shots. Did he have a bad night or did I just box the perfect game plan? Tony's put a game plan in place and I've executed it properly."
Ryder is still holding out hope that a rematch with Smith can happen. Smith had hoped to land a showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, but that didn't happen.
"Ultimately, I want the rematch (with Smith). Eddie Hearn says it can happen. There are big fights for him at super middle or light heavy. I suppose he was hoping for Canelo, but it's all up in the air," Ryder said.
