Daniel Jacobs on fighting John Ryder, overcoming cancer and dreams of a third world title

The Daniel Jacobs story is one worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, but we may have to wait a little longer for the closing credits.

In 2011 the American was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour to the spine and unable to walk, let alone box.

Eleven years later — having won two middleweight world titles and cementing his place as an elite-level fighter — the 35-year-old will be fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional when he faces Briton John Ryder at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.

«My ultimate goal is to become a hall of fame fighter. This fight will put me back into title contention,» says Jacobs.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Brooklyn fighter — aptly dubbed the 'Miracle Man' — tells us the secrets behind his success, why the fire is still burning in what has already been an illustrious career and how he wants to continue being a «symbol of hope» to those affected by cancer.

Jacobs has won 37 fights and lost three, two of those defeats against Kazakhstan's Gennady Golovkin in 2017 and Mexican pound-for-pound star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez two years later.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says «the loser is done» on Saturday night and Jacobs agrees it is a must-win fight.

He has been inactive for 15 months and feels he has a point to prove after labouring to a split-decision win over American Gabriel Rosado in November 2020.

«Last time, it didn't leave the best taste in fans' mouth, which I understand, but we've made changes,» Jacobs adds.

«My personal opinion is that I'm the best fighter. Proving that is a different thing and that's what I have to do on Saturday.»

Having made his debut on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jnr v Ricky Hatton in 2007, where more than 30,000 Britons travelled to Las Vegas to support