Rhodes relishing ring return by Ben Carey Apr 11th 2005

Record-breaking former British light-middleweight champion Ryan Rhodes is promising to deliver a spectacular performance following his year long absence from the ring. The Sheffield switch-hitter will face Halesowen's Peter Jackson in a six-round middleweight contest at the Barnsley Metrodome next Friday (April 22) for what will be his first fight in South Yorkshire since 2001. In another first, Rhodes will step through the ropes minus long-time trainer Brendan Ingle and sons John and Dominic and will now be jointly-managed and trained by rising Sheffield promoter David Coldwell. “It's the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life. I'd been with Brendan since I was six years old but I just felt I needed a change otherwise I was going to go nowhere in boxing. I've now got the old spark back again. I'm happy, excited and really look forward to going training,” said Rhodes on the amicable split. “Things are going brilliant with Dave. We are currently working on my speed, which is something that I feel has been neglected over the last few years. I'm getting back to being as quick as I used to be,” he added. The 28-year-old has beaten Jackson before, on points back in December 2003. A former Midlands Area champion, the capable Jackson will hope to take advantage of Rhodes' ring rust and gain revenge. But in England rugby team nutritionist Adam Carey, the Sheffield man has an ace up his sleeve. “Adam Carey is now part of the team. When England won the World Cup they put it all down to Adam,” revealed Rhodes. “He's been studying me in the gym and feels I can eventually get back down to light-middleweight (11 stone) and be strong at the weight. He's the top man to advise me how to do that.” After falling short in two previous bids for the WBO world title against Otis Grant and Jason Matthews, Rhodes is desperate to make it third time lucky and has returned to premier promoter Frank Warren to get him on track Under Warren's previous guidance, Rhodes became the fastest ever outright winner of a Lonsdale belt in just 90 days and, at just 20 years of age, the youngest British champion in 57 years. “I've said to Frank that I want three fights as quick as possible and then I'll take on anyone in Britain. I want to be active and then I'll be challenging for titles. For my third fight, I would like to avenge my loss to Lee Blundell who was the last person to beat me.” David Coldwell's Koncrete stars including Sheffield light-heavyweight Jon Ibbotson, Rotherham cruiserweights John Anthony and Neil Dawson and Barnsley light-middleweight Rob Burton will also be appearing on this bill. Tickets priced at £50, £35 and £25 are available from Koncrete Promotions on 01142 750303 or 07799 456400.

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