Ryan Rhodes...How far can he go for the rest of his career ?

[Quixall]

How far can Ryan Rhodes go......

Ryan Rhodes comes up against Anthony Small on the 28th March and is currently ranked number 10 by the wBC. I was wondering how far you think Rhodes can go, given the fact that he is now 31 years old.

After a promising start to his career and at a very young age, Rhodes' career took a nose dive after his points loss to Otis Grant in 1997. Bad losses to Jason Mathews (1999) and Lee Blundell in 2002 saw Rhodes slip away from the limelight completely, only to re-emerge and then lose to Gary Lockett (2006)

Now, after six consecutive wins and winning the British light-middleweight title, Rhodes is starting to show some consistency, looks sharp and has the right mental attitude, that perhaps has eluded him in the past.

So what can Rhodes achieve in what is left of his career ? Domestic defeneces and a Lonsdale belt, a European title or maybe a possible crack at a world title, in the next 18 months to 2 years ? I would say that Rhodes will beat Small and go on to claim a European title, but i don't think he will gain the chance to fight for a world title, less actually win one, unless, with all due respect to Rhodes, one of the current champions wants an easy defence, as was the case in the Pavlik - Lockett fight.

Your thoughts please

[Old bones Ian]

If Ryan gets past Small (50/50 fight), and Jamie Moore can win the Euro title , then it sets up a great fight between the 2.

As for world titles, in this day and age anything can happen,and Ryan has past pedigree with title shots, so the WBO might rate him.

[d]

If Ryan gets past Small (50/50 fight), and Jamie Moore can win the Euro title , then it sets up a great fight between the 2.

As for world titles, in this day and age anything can happen,and Ryan has past pedigree with title shots, so the WBO might rate him.

Agree that a fight with Jamie would be great, but don't forget, the WBC rate Ryan at no.10 in their ratings..so he doesn't have to wait on the WBO rating hopefully.
Jamie Moore ranked no.9, so a euro title fight between those two could, could just make an eliminator?

[Spud]

I would simply love Ryan Rhodes to get a world title shot - there again same wish for Jamie Moore.

I honestly believe a fight between the 2 with a bit of hype here and there would generate just as much money for both of them - as to the winner - its one of them I would be sitting on the fence for although if pushed I would narrowly side with Jamie Moore and that is the heart ruling the head there too!!!

It would be a fantastic fight for both for the money and a fantastic fight for boxing - both promoters should get their fingers out of their arses and be realistic over the purses - 50/50 split and get the fight on.

[d]

I would simply love Ryan Rhodes to get a world title shot - there again same wish for Jamie Moore.

I honestly believe a fight between the 2 with a bit of hype here and there would generate just as much money for both of them - as to the winner - its one of them I would be sitting on the fence for although if pushed I would narrowly side with Jamie Moore and that is the heart ruling the head there too!!!

It would be a fantastic fight for both for the money and a fantastic fight for boxing - both promoters should get their fingers out of their arses and be realistic over the purses - 50/50 split and get the fight on.

Get their fingers out? lol!

We have a small matter of both having to win their upcoming fights before we can do anything mate!!

[Spud]

I would simply love Ryan Rhodes to get a world title shot - there again same wish for Jamie Moore.

I honestly believe a fight between the 2 with a bit of hype here and there would generate just as much money for both of them - as to the winner - its one of them I would be sitting on the fence for although if pushed I would narrowly side with Jamie Moore and that is the heart ruling the head there too!!!

It would be a fantastic fight for both for the money and a fantastic fight for boxing - both promoters should get their fingers out of their arses and be realistic over the purses - 50/50 split and get the fight on.

Get their fingers out? lol!

We have a small matter of both having to win their upcoming fights before we can do anything mate!!

I think that chap Dave Coldwell - should pick his lazy arse off the floor and phone Steve Wood who would agree to the fight if of course Mr Coldwell is realistic over the purse and get the fight on.

Seriously its a fantastic fight to put - one that would excite me !!!

As for Rhodes against Anthony Small - "D" please!!!! - lets be serious - the moment Ryan Rhodes puts Anthony Small on the back foot and puts him under any sort of pressure - Anthony Small will go to pieces. Rhodes is a far better class of fighter and knows what its like in the trenches where as Small as soon as the going gets tough the bottle goes!!!

[stujones]

Rhodes vs Small is a tough one to call... one of the fights I am most looking forrward to in the coming months. Its almost like Old Ryan vs Young Ryan.

[Spud]

Rhodes vs Small is a tough one to call... one of the fights I am most looking forrward to in the coming months. Its almost like Old Ryan vs Young Ryan.

Stu - tell me in which fights Small has really impressed you - I think he is a fantastic crowd pleaser but when the going gets tough - the flashness and daft antics are clear to be the only things he has to offer.

[stujones]

Rhodes vs Small is a tough one to call... one of the fights I am most looking forrward to in the coming months. Its almost like Old Ryan vs Young Ryan.

Stu - tell me in which fights Small has really impressed you - I think he is a fantastic crowd pleaser but when the going gets tough - the flashness and daft antics are clear to be the only things he has to offer.

I was impressed with his Takaloo display, infact pretty impressed with how he has regrouped since the Pryce loss. Admittedly against Lower level opposition.

Ryan's done excellent mind in regaining the title. I thought he looked mentally done against Lockett, Gary was there for the taking... but he impressed since - especially the Woolcombe and Vuma fights. However, Small has speed and power, and Ryan can get hurt - as can Small. Thats why I think it is fascinating.

[warmachine]

i am going for small. in this one, he is a friend and has trained extremely hard for this fight

[black panther]

Small looked more conventional and business like when he took out Conway. I know Rhodes is a level or two about Conway, but this new approach Small has got is impressive. But he still leaves his chin up, takes chances and has defensive flaws. I'll take Rhodes by stoppage if Ryan can find his top form.

[twenty six]

Quixall,
First of all, he's 32 - not 31 ! He'll love me for that one.
This fight is the sort of domestic match up that no one can moan about.
For the neutral it's a pick em fight, but I truly believe Rhodes has far more in his armoury than Small.
Rhodes has proved that he can adapt his style to suit the opponent - the Vuma performance proved that.
Small has no idea what style Rhodes will adopt for this fight, and his performance at the press conference underlined that for me.
Rhodes has far more to lose than Small and mentally I believe Rhodes is stronger.
Let's wait and see. Really looking forward to this one - especially as it's on my birthday.
As for the future to be honest it's not something that has been considered yet - there's business to take care of first.
I hope Mooresy does the business in his Euro fight, and a first defence against Rhodes or Small would be great.
Don't know where you've got the WBO from Quixall - both Ryan and Jamie are both firmly on the WBC route.
What you have to remember is that the WBC International title holder is automatically allowed to fight for the World title if the belt holder wants a voluntary defence.
Never say never !
He's got the right backers with Hayemaker / Golden Boy.
Spud - trivia - can you tell me who Small is using for sparring in prep ?

[Quixall]

Quixall,
First of all, he's 32 - not 31 ! He'll love me for that one.
This fight is the sort of domestic match up that no one can moan about.
For the neutral it's a pick em fight, but I truly believe Rhodes has far more in his armoury than Small.
Rhodes has proved that he can adapt his style to suit the opponent - the Vuma performance proved that.
Small has no idea what style Rhodes will adopt for this fight, and his performance at the press conference underlined that for me.
Rhodes has far more to lose than Small and mentally I believe Rhodes is stronger.
Let's wait and see. Really looking forward to this one - especially as it's on my birthday.
As for the future to be honest it's not something that has been considered yet - there's business to take care of first.
I hope Mooresy does the business in his Euro fight, and a first defence against Rhodes or Small would be great.
Don't know where you've got the WBO from Quixall - both Ryan and Jamie are both firmly on the WBC route.
What you have to remember is that the WBC International title holder is automatically allowed to fight for the World title if the belt holder wants a voluntary defence.
Never say never !
He's got the right backers with Hayemaker / Golden Boy.
Spud - trivia - can you tell me who Small is using for sparring in prep ?

Hey Twent-Six,

Your splitting hairs there mate with Ryan being 32 years of age DD

I agree and also thin that Ryan will have too much guille and experience for small, that it will be a close fight for the first 6 rounds, but then expect Ryan to up the stakes and either stop small late on or more probably win a unanimous points decision.....

As me mentioning the WBO, if i put that down, then it was a typing error and my apologies, because i mean't to say that Ryan is ranked number 10 by the WBC

I never did get to look at the WBA rankings, but i wanted to check out small's claim that he was ranked in the top ten by the WBA. He looked like he did'nt really know at the press conference

Ps asked my dad about your dad's surname and he had'nt heard of it, so maybe they crossed paths but did'nt really know each other that well and there is 8 years between them

PPs Do you know Ryan Rhodes ?

[twenty six]

Yes mate, I know Ryan.
Seeing my old fella tomorrow, so I'll give him the low down on the PM's.
Small world mate, small world.

[n1ebf]

Yes mate, I know Ryan.
Seeing my old fella tomorrow, so I'll give him the low down on the PM's.
Small world mate, small world.

but not an "Antoney small world" you hope

boom boom!

[Quixall]

Yes mate, I know Ryan.
Seeing my old fella tomorrow, so I'll give him the low down on the PM's.
Small world mate, small world.

but not an "Antoney small world" you hope

Mark,

I think your jokes are actually geting worse

[DG.]

I would simply love Ryan Rhodes to get a world title shot - there again same wish for Jamie Moore.

I honestly believe a fight between the 2 with a bit of hype here and there would generate just as much money for both of them - as to the winner - its one of them I would be sitting on the fence for although if pushed I would narrowly side with Jamie Moore and that is the heart ruling the head there too!!!

It would be a fantastic fight for both for the money and a fantastic fight for boxing - both promoters should get their fingers out of their arses and be realistic over the purses - 50/50 split and get the fight on.

Rhodes is not at the level of Mooresy imo - not anymore - I would say Jennings has a better chance of winning a world title than Rhodes at this stage, Rhodes hands down style is not made to prevail at the elite level...

[DG.]

I would simply love Ryan Rhodes to get a world title shot - there again same wish for Jamie Moore.

I honestly believe a fight between the 2 with a bit of hype here and there would generate just as much money for both of them - as to the winner - its one of them I would be sitting on the fence for although if pushed I would narrowly side with Jamie Moore and that is the heart ruling the head there too!!!

It would be a fantastic fight for both for the money and a fantastic fight for boxing - both promoters should get their fingers out of their arses and be realistic over the purses - 50/50 split and get the fight on.

Rhodes is not at the level of Mooresy imo - not anymore - I would say Jennings has a better chance of winning a world title than Rhodes at this stage, Rhodes hands down style is not made to prevail at the elite level...

for once DG i have to agree, i must be going loopy in my old age or maybe you have aged well

You must have drunk from the DG fountain of TRUTH!

[twenty six]

DG
What are the odds on Jennings becoming World Champ ?
Subject to Rhodes getting a shot, if you agree to match those odds I'll stake a £20 note with you.
Hands down approach ? Did you watch the Vuma fight ?
What level is Small at in the holy bible of DG ?
Seriously, I think a World Title shot isn't around the corner, but if Jamie beats Picawhatever and Rhodes beats gobshite, then a Euro match up will be a treat.

[n1ebf]

DG
What are the odds on Jennings becoming World Champ ?
Subject to Rhodes getting a shot, if you agree to match those odds I'll stake a £20 note with you.
Hands down approach ? Did you watch the Vuma fight ?
What level is Small at in the holy bible of DG ?
Seriously, I think a World Title shot isn't around the corner, but if Jamie beats Picawhatever and Rhodes beats gobshite, then a Euro match up will be a treat.

Picawhatever battered Michael Jones to a twelfth round stoppage, think it was twelfth anyway
I don't think it will be an easy task for Moore. That said it was 2 years ago and Picarillo will be about 37 now I think. Could that be relevant? Maybe.
Having studied this thread I am actually starting to lean in favour of Ryan. Which isn't to say I was in favour of Small, I was more on the fence.
I think Small is getting underestimated by some, he pulled out a quality win against the American in the Contender event in Newcastle. That said I saw him first hand in the flesh about two an half years ago at the York Hall. He looked dreadful, trying to throw "Rocket launchers" (N. Hamed TM), difference was Small span round in mid air and generally wound up landing on his opponent with his back I remember thinking at the time this guy is nowhere near as good as I thought. I thought my pal Francis would have taken him out if he'd been in the ring that night instead of the journeyman.
YES - Small IS younger, but so what, so is Gary Woolcombe, I was tipping Woolcombe that night. Rhodes is clearly a fitness freak, something that has enabled him to keep his career going at a high level. I feel that his superior ability plus the higher level he's boxed at will win him this fight.
Small's only chance for me is a Kayo. That is unlikely to happen I believe. Small will take a look, quickly revert to throwing his bombs, lose concentration when they don't work. Ryan will apply ever increasing pressure to dictate the fight, Small will run out of ideas and try to go for it and I can see him visiting the canvas, maybe more than once.
I hope to be there, I wouldn't normally like to be surrounded by screaming scousers but I may make the exception.