RYAN RHODES has been forced to pull out of this month’s European light-middleweight title showdown against Sergey Rabchenko due to a back injury.
Undefeated Belarusian Rabchenko will now box a non-title eight rounder on the bill at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena on Saturday March 24.
It is a bitter blow for Rabchenko (19-0) who has been preparing for the contest in Manchester at Hatton Health and Fitness.
Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon hopes the battle of the stablemates can be re-scheduled for May or June.
Rabchenko, 26, said: “I have been told that Rhodes has a damaged back so what can I do about it?
“I just hope that when Hatton Promotions make the fight at a later date he doesn’t run away.
“If Rhodes pulls out for a second time then it will be because he knows that I will beat him. This time I forgive him, just about.
“For now I have to forget about this disappointment and make sure I impress the Sheffield fans. I plan on showing them that I would beat Rhodes even in his home city.”
In the main event of the card being televised live by Sky Sports, Gary Buckland’s risks his British super-featherweight title against Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott.
Big ticket sellers Adam Etches and Scott Jenkins also box. Other hopefuls in action include unbeaten heavyweight Richard Towers, Carl Bell, Jason Cunningham and Jack Perry.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and the remaining few tickets are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling The Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com
Brian Miller, Shawn Miller, Zach Smith and More in action on March 10
March 6, 2012 – Albany, N.Y. – The card is stacked for ARES Promotions Fight Night 8 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany on Saturday, March 10. Joining Troy’s Shawn Miller and Schenectady’s Markus Williams, local favorites Brian Miller (Schenectady) and Zach Smith (Delmar) will be coming out of retirement to prove they are back in full force.
In addition to world-class boxing, Fans can get their photo taken with ARES ring girls when they donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The efforts go toward supporting local boxer Javy Martinez in the LLS Man of the Year competition to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer research. Tickets can be purchased at www.aresboxing.com, or by calling 518-527-2331.
MEDIA WEIGH IN
Friday, March 9
6 p.m.
Steuben Athletic Club
Albany, N.Y.
FIGHT NIGHT VIII
Saturday, March 10
Empire State Plaza Convention Center (Under the Egg), Albany
Doors open at 5p.m., First bout at 6 p.m.
BURNETT LINED UP FOR PRO DEBUT
RED hot Irish prospect Ryan Burnett will make his professional debut next month. Burnett was given his professional licence at the weekend and will make his debut on Hatton Promotions bumper bill at Oldham Leisure Centre on Saturday April 21.
Burnett, 19, who will box at super-flyweight has impressed trainer Ricky Hatton since moving to Manchester from Belfast.
Hatton said: “It was a proud day for Ryan when the British Boxing Board of Control handed him his licence.
“I’m sure with his amateur record and pedigree, along with the fine tuning by myself as his trainer, he will go a long way.
“It’s early days and don’t wish to put pressure on a young boys shoulders I think Ryan could bring a world title to Britain and in particular Belfast.”
Burnett represented Ireland 40 times as an amateur he compiled a record of 94 wins and four defeats.
His international honours include an Olympic Youth Gold Medal, seven All-Ireland titles, numerous multi-nations medals, Six Antrim titles and four Ulster titles.
In the top of the bill battle, Manchester’s Anthony Crolla will defend his British lightweight crown against Derry Mathews
More fights will be added but among those appearing will be former European super-featherweight champion Stephen Foster Jr and unbeaten Jazza Dickins.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets are on sale. They are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling the Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com