Ryan Rhodes gets Euro title tilt on home soil

Hatton Promotions stable-mates Ryan Rhodes and Sergey Rabchenko will meet for the vacant European light-middleweight title in Sheffield on Saturday 24th March.

Rhodes will be delighted to have home advantage at Ponds Forge Arena, and hopes to deliver a stunning performance to win back his old crown. Belarussian Rabchenko, 25, who spends much of his time training in Manchester, is unbeaten in 19 fights – with 14 victories inside the distance.

Ryan, 35, won the title when by beating his friend Jamie Moore in October 2009 (picture courtesy Chris Royle) in a memorable war, but was stripped after one defence because of injury.

Last June, Rhodes stepped up to world level and was stopped in the 12th round by Mexican star Saul Alvarez in a WBC title challenge. And Hatton Promotions head Ricky Hatton has no doubt what awaits the winner, saying: “I am sure I will get the victor a world title fight.

“It is an exceptional fight between two special boxers and it fills me with excitement at what these lads will serve up for fans.

“Sergey is one of the best young talents in Europe and Ryan might be getting on in years, but his hunger and desire hasn’t diminished.

“He proved that when he beat Siarhei Khomiski in November. He is raring to go and determined to see off Rabchenko.”

The Sky Sports televised show is already close to a complete sell-out and will also feature Gary Buckland’s British super-featherweight title against Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott.