Ryan Rhodes signs with Ricky’s Hatton Promotions

Hatton Promotions’ is really gathering ground on the British Boxing scene, and there fresh approach has still been able to keep a traditional boxing feel to there shows, and the signing of European light-middleweight king Rhodes is another step in the right direction.

Sheffield vetaran pugilist Rhodes, revived his career when he defeated Salford’s Jamie Moore in October last year in a candidate for British fight of the year, stopping Moore in the 7th round in a thrilling contest.

Since that night Rhodes has not fought and now at 33 years of age he is looking to have a final crack at world title shot and hopes that Ricky Hatton, former world champion and now up and coming promoter with the right connections, can get him the fights he craves in this second coming.

Speaking to The Sheffield Star, Rhodes said; “I am now 33 years old and cannot afford to hang around. I’ve been itching to get a fight organised because it’s been too long. The Hattons have been interested in me for some time and offered me a good, (three-fight) deal.

“What you see is what you get from Ricky. He knows what fighters want. There is no bull.”

Rhodes’ first step will be to stage a voluntary defence of his title, at Ponds Forge on May 21. If he beats that unnamed opponent, possibly from France or Italy, Rhodes will fight another, mandatory defence against German-based Czech Lukas Konecny.

“After that, I’d hope to be in a position to have a crack at the world title” said Rhodes. The WBC belt is held by Argentina’s Sergio Martinez. But he has gone up a division to box Kelly Pavlik for the WBC and WBO middleweight belts in New Jersey on April 17.

“I can see Martinez staying at middleweight where there are bigger fights to be made and more money” said the Sheffielder. “In which case the title would be vacant.”

Rhodes’match-maker will be Sheffield’s Richard Poxon, who worked with ex world champ Clinton Woods. Rotherham’s Dave Coldwell will continue to train him.