Rhodes is fighting Vuma on November 15

Sly · Oct 14, 2008

:happy :happy Rhodes vs. Vuma is on the Haye/Barrett undercard.

http://www.dhaye.com/News/default.aspx?Entry=19

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Sheffield favourite Ryan Rhodes continues his march towards a third world title shot his first as a light-middleweight when he tackles the dangerous South African Vincent Vuma on November 15 at The O2 in North Greenwich, London. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]With Vumas WBC International title at stake, the winner of this intriguing 12-rounder can expect to receive a top-10 ranking with the World Boxing Council and a clearer route towards a potential world title tilt. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Timing is everything and Rhodes, now 40-4 (27 KO) as a pro, is confident it will be third time lucky should he eventually work his way towards a WBC title shot. More seasoned and refined than when he first challenged for world honours in 1997, Rhodes believes this opportunity could not come at a better time. After all, it was only four weeks ago in Sheffield that Rhodes chalked up a priceless 12-rounder with Jamie Coyle in defence of his British light-middleweight crown.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Its every boxers dream to fight so quick and so often, admits the switch-hitting Rhodes. I always box better when Im active and Im just really happy that the fight has come around so quickly. The November 15 date forced me to get straight back in training and now its full steam ahead. My hands are fine and my weights brilliant. Im looking to be even better against Vuma than I was against Coyle.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Rhodes collected a one-sided unanimous decision against Coyle on September 20 at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre. Displaying beyond the call of duty bravery and a heart the size of Sheffield, Coyle gave Rhodes 12 rounds of tougher-than-expected work. Rhodes anticipates an even more taxing night with Vuma on November 15. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]I think its going to be a tough fight, concedes Rhodes, who was last week named Sheffields Sportsman of the Year by readers of the Sheffield Star. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Vumas ranked highly by the WBC and is clearly a quality fighter. Ive only ever seen one fight of his when he came to England and beat Mark Thompson but I thought he looked pretty sharp and accurate in that one. Im expecting a tough night but its a fight I expect to win.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ranked at no.16 by the WBC, Vuma is a well-schooled and robust counter-puncher with toughness in abundance. Competing mainly in his homeland, 32-year-old Vuma has compiled an impressive record of 26-2 (15 KO). His sole fight outside South Africa a July 2007 date in England with Thompson provides Rhodes with his only insight so far. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Hes pretty quick and a counter-puncher, recalls Rhodes. I dont think hes a big, big puncher, even though hes stopped a few fighters on his record. I think hes got a decent work rate and he wears opponents down. Hes been dropped a few times early and that tells me hes not a quick starter and may take a little while to get into things." [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ultimately, Rhodes, a year younger than Vuma, is always able to drawn on his vast vast back catalogue of trials and tribulations for a tricky danger man like Vuma. A pro since February 1992, Rhodes has witnessed most scenarios inside the ring. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ive been at this level before, says Rhodes. Vumas been at a certain level for a long time and its only now that hes really stepping up. I believe Ill be the best opponent hes faced to date and that Im his step-up. Hes 32, a little bit older than me, and it will be two senior fighters going at it. I still feel Im more experienced than him fighting at the level were now at.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]It will be a good fight and an exciting fight between two fast counter-punchers looking to find holes. I think Im the bigger hitter and I believe that will be the difference on the night.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Though expecting one of the toughest tests of his glittering and extensive career, Rhodes has bigger plans ahead. Already acclaimed for his two British title triumphs, Rhodes is gunning for the one title that has so far eluded his sizeable collection of awards and accolades.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]I want a world title fight, he states. Obviously, winning the British title again was a dream come true and Im glad Ive done it, but I want that next level. This WBC international title will take me to that next level. Assuming all goes well with Vuma, I am probably only two or three more wins away from fighting for a world title. I reckon four fights and then Ill be there. [/FONT]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]*** The WBC International light-middleweight title contest between Ryan Rhodes and Vincent Vuma acts as chief-support to David The Hayemaker Hayes heavyweight showdown with Monte Two Gunz Barrett, screened live and exclusively on Setanta Sports. [/FONT]

For more information or to purchase tickets to HAYEMAKER2: 'One Hayemaker vs. Two Gunz' at The O2, please contact the Box Office on 08448 560 202.
Click to expand...

brown bomber · Oct 14, 2008

Go Rhodes.

robpalmer135 · Oct 15, 2008

good fight. winner should igo nto the top 10. still do not think Rhodes will do it at world level though. he will have a title shot next year if he keeps winning.

The Lads · Oct 15, 2008

Winner WILL go into the top 10 as its a WBC international fight. Vuma very good operator although Mark Thompson had him in trouble.

Cant see Rhodes getting a WBC title shot myself, more likely to take commonwealth title shot with Pryce I'd say. Or look at a euro shot against the winner of moore piccirillo.

Hasnt Martinez just won the title interim?

Beeston Brawler · Oct 15, 2008

Nah - I think Rhodes is focused this time.

**** the Commonwealth title - a 'Jesus Loves You' belt is more meaningful these days. It is just used as a shield to hide behind, from taking on the leading fighters at domestic and European level.

He may as well win this fight, then look at the interim title depending on where he is ranked - then he has leverage to take on Forrest. Vernon is in his late 30's and may be slipping, and could see Rhodes as an easy fight as he did with Mora.

I may be wrong, however.

The Lads · Oct 15, 2008

Loads of rhode esque fightwers at the weight looking for a title shot. be interesting to see what happens. Martinez beats him hands down imo, great fighter.

Log in or Sign up

Rhodes is fighting Vuma on November 15

Sly Well-Known Member Full Member

brown bomber 2010 Poster of the Year Full Member

robpalmer135 Obsessed with Boxing banned

The Lads Well-Known Member Full Member

Beeston Brawler Comical Ali-egedly Full Member

The Lads Well-Known Member Full Member

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Rhodes is fighting Vuma on November 15

Sly Well-Known Member Full Member

brown bomber 2010 Poster of the Year Full Member

robpalmer135 Obsessed with Boxing banned

The Lads Well-Known Member Full Member

Beeston Brawler Comical Ali-egedly Full Member

The Lads Well-Known Member Full Member