SWINDON boxer Jamie Cox is set to face John Ryder at the O2 Arena on Saturday, May 5 as he returns to the ring after his October defeat to George Groves.

The 31-year-old will get back into the ring once before facing Ryder on the Tony Bellew v David Haye II undercard as he looks to bounce back from his first defeat as a professional.

His opponent goes into the fight on the back of an impressive win over Patrick Nielsen on the undercard of Cox’s loss to Groves last year.

The super-middleweight contest will consist of 12 rounds and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Speaking to promoters Matchroom, the Swindon southpaw admits Ryder will be no easy contest as the two go head-to-head in just under two months’ time.

“John put on a great display against Nielsen, it was a grand finish so hats off. Obviously, I didn’t see it at the time but I’ve seen it back since. Fair play to him, he got a big win, he said.

“John comes across a gentleman. It’s business at the end of the day. I know what he’s about, I’m expecting the best John Ryder. I’m looking forward to mixing it with him. Beating him will put me in a better position and nearer to a World Title shot.

“He’s ranked across a couple of the governing bodies and it’s my goal to become a World Champion. Beating John will open more doors, especially with the tournament finishing soon. It should free up some of the fighters. This fight has come at the perfect time.

“It’s going to be a tough task, he likes to come forward and have a go and I’m always up for the fight. There will be some big shots landed, it’s a great fight for the fans. I’m looking forward to breaking it down the gym with the team and the build up to the fight itself.”

Cox, who was knocked down and beaten for the first time in his career when he came up against Groves at Wembley Arena, says it was a valuable learning experience for him as he looks to get his career back on a winning footing.

“Facing Groves was a great experience, I know where I went wrong and I’m ready to prove where I believe I should be,” he added.

“I had a couple of weeks off after the last fight then it was time to get back stuck into training. I’m fully back into it now and ready for the next one.

“I’ve always been quite tough to the body. Groves wasn’t hurting me to the head, so I didn’t think he could hurt me to the body.

“To be fair he landed a great shot, full credit to him. I think George will go on and win the final against Callum Smith.”