Small: 'Rhodes is nothing but a stepping stone'

HayemakerBoxing · Mar 4, 2009

http://www.hayemaker.com/News/Default.aspx?Entry=73

As brash as he is slick, Deptfords Anthony Small has warned British light-middleweight champion Ryan Rhodes that hes nothing but a stepping-stone en route to bigger honours for the switch-hitting Londoner.

Set to challenge Rhodes on March 28 at Liverpools Echo Arena, Small believes it is a fight Rhodes could have done without.

Hes been shamed into taken this fight, says Small, 21-1 (15 KO). He clearly didnt want to take this fight to begin with and now Ive forced his hand and hes walking into a beating.

I dont blame him for ducking me. I dont blame anyone. Im awkward, Im fast, Im hard-hitting and I have fun in there.

With Rhodes agreeing to defend his belt against Small, the man nicknamed Sugar Ray Clay Jones Junior can look forward to the most important night of his boxing life.

This is definitely the biggest fight of my career, admits Small, who also holds the WBA International belt. Its a fight for the British title against a good name in Ryan Rhodes.

This is a real stepping stone fight for me. I believe that whatever you do in life you should aspire to be the best at it. If you want to be a road sweeper, be the best road sweeper in the world. I didnt become a boxer to just become a British champion. Beating Rhodes on March 28 is just the start of my career.

To get to the next step on his road to world titles, Small must first overcome the seasoned and skilful Rhodes in Liverpool. Its a stumbling block that doesnt fluster Small in the slightest.

I dont really worry about what my opponent brings to the table, says Small. Rhodes could come out fast and take it to me, or he could try and play the game of hit and not getting hit. It doesnt matter Ill have an answer for it. Im going to be like water. Im going to have everything covered. All Rhodes boxes will be ticked by my left and right hands.

All my opponents have the choice whether to get knocked out quick by taking it to me or receiving a sustained beating by running away. Rhodes can have it either way.

Though similar in style and swagger, Small believes Rhodes superior experience will ultimately work against him on March 28.

Ive got youth on my side, adds Small. Rhodes has already been here before. He fought for the WBC International belt in his last fight. Hes been around for years. Its not as easy to get motivated for a British title fight when youve been in and around that level for over a decade.

Im new to this. This is my big night. Rhodes is my stepping-stone to bigger things. I havent been in tear-ups like he has. I havent been knocked out a few times like he has. I havent got the wear and tear that he has.

Nevertheless, Small is looking for excitement, and a bit of a tear-up, on March 28.

I can mix it up and blend styles, he continues. I can win by any means necessary. You can tell me a way to fight and a way to win a fight and Ill do it.

Not only that, I can also mix it up much better than Rhodes. I wont run in this fight. Ill stand there and have it out with him if he wants it. If Rhodes wants to stand and go toe-to-toe, Im there ready to bang with him. If he wants to run, Ill chase him and break him down. I can beat him in a lot of different ways.

The thing is, right now I actually want to be involved in tear-ups. I dont want to stand off and box with someone. I want to get in with Rhodes and get dirty. Aside from all the talking, all the dancing and the showboating, I just love to fight.

*** Anthony Smalls British title showdown with champion Ryan Rhodes is the co-main event at HAYEMAKER 6: The Mersey Beatdown at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on March 28. Also featured on the stacked card is local lad Tony Dodsons British title challenge against champion Brian Magee, as well as the English title clash between Tony Quigley and Paul David and the British title eliminator between John Watson and Martin Gethin.

*** To purchase tickets to HAYEMAKER 6: The Mersey Beatdown visit
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Guy · Mar 4, 2009

Hello Mr Hayemaker, if David v Wlad doesn't come off in time, would he fight Audley Harrison?

What about Martin Rogan? some 'experts' :verysad on here think Rogan could stop David......

Ask him and come back to us :hey:good

Beeston Brawler · Mar 4, 2009

Bradley Pryce had the same choice to run away or take a beating as well

SteelTownCobra · Mar 4, 2009

He sounds very confident and a little arrogant but there's nothing wrong with that.

I hope he can back up his words because Ryan Rhodes is going to be a very tough test for Small.

I'm sure he's not taking him as lightly as his words would suggest.

TFFP · Mar 4, 2009

The has the potential to be an absolute snoozefest.

achillesthegreat · Mar 4, 2009

After this the British has to be unified with the C'Wealth.

nulty · Mar 4, 2009

Rhodes will punish this jumped up little *****.

ApatheticLeader · Mar 4, 2009

nulty said: ↑

Rhodes will punish this jumped up little *****.
Click to expand...

Let's hope so. Wasn't there a time when Rhodes was also a jumped-up little *****? Or is my memory playing tricks and Rhodes only guilty in my mind via association with a certain even smaller *****?

jc · Mar 4, 2009

Rhodes wins this.

icemax · Mar 4, 2009

That gobshite Small should show a little more respect because on fight night he is going to be picking himself off of the floor and calling Ryan Mr Rhodes.:deal

stuey · Mar 4, 2009

rhodes will batter small:deal

scurlaruntings · Mar 4, 2009

Rhodes is spot on. The guy has seen much better days but he was a precocious talent back in the 90`s. Small on the other hand is an area level fighter who is nothing more than a lame impressionist. I hope Rhodes puts him on his back and humiliates him.

doggyland · Mar 4, 2009

Small is acting like such a c*** it is untrue....I really want him to get bashed up - and i can't remember the last time i wanted a boxer bashed up...Maybe i'm so so sooo disappointed. He has got some skills but zero sense - end of. Win or lose this one - he goes nowhere.

brown bomber · Mar 4, 2009

He actually comes across as ok when you see him not acting up in front of the camera. I wouldn't judge a fighter too much on what they say to the press before a fight, or even in interviews. When I used to see Gomez on the telly I used to think he came across really badly, now I know him I realise thats just a front. It means nothing.

Grievesy · Mar 4, 2009

Meh. Talk is cheap. We'll see what happens on the night.

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Small: 'Rhodes is nothing but a stepping stone'

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