Islington’s John Ryder will face Jamie Cox in a crunch super-middleweight battle at the O2 Arena on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Ryder is back in action following his brilliant October win over Patrick Nielsen inside five rounds, that saw him take the Dane’s WBA number four ranking.

Cox will be gunning to take a world title shot for himself as he returns to the ring after challenging George Groves for the WBA belt on the same October bill and both men expect fireworks in a fight to ‘opens doors’ for the winner.

“We’ve been out of the ring the same amount of time, so I’m sure Jamie is just as itching to get back in there as me,” said Ryder.

“It’s been a long time coming following my career best win so I’m happy to get back in there in another big fight in my home town.

“There was talk of other fights we were looking at, but they didn’t come off – that’s boxing. It was about picking the right fight rather than just going in there against anyone. Jamie has a good record and to beat him would hold me in good stead.

“A lot of people were writing me off before the Nielsen fight, I went in there and beat the man that was held in high regard and beat him in good fashion. It was the best win of my career so far. The pressure was off. I was an away fighter, I just went in there and enjoyed it which was telling on the night. It was a great victory.

“Jamie had some success in the early rounds against George. He made it the fight it was but we all know how good Groves is. It only takes one shot. Just look at my fight and his fight on the same card. Luckily my punch went to my advantage and he was on the receiving end of a peach.

“He got hit with a body shot, nine times out of 10 you’ll take them but that one was in the wrong place at the wrong time for him and he couldn’t beat the count.

“I think our styles are geared up for a good fight, it’ll be a real treat for the fans on what’s shaping up to be a quality night of boxing.

“The British title has evaded me for so long now, it’s a love-hate relationship. I’d love to win it but I can’t build my career around the British Title. I’m taking things one fight at a time, Jamie Cox is my full focus.

“For the winner it opens a lot of doors, the loser it could be curtains potentially. It’s a must win fight for the both of us.”

Ryder and Cox clash on a huge night of action in Greenwich as bitter heavyweight rivals Tony Bellew and David Haye meet in a rematch and Martin J. Ward defends his European super-featherweight title against James Tennyson.

Limited tickets for May 5 remain on sale at theo2.co.uk. Face value tickets for May 5 are available from stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets.

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