Anthony Small - Ryan Rhodes - Stepping Stone To World Titles

[Spud]

Press Release:

Small: ‘Rhodes is just a stepping stone to world titles’

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

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

“He’s been shamed into taken this fight,” says Small, 21-1 (15 KO). “He clearly didn’t want to take this fight to begin with and now I’ve forced his hand and he’s walking into a beating.

“I don’t blame him for ducking me. I don’t blame anyone. I’m awkward, I’m fast, I’m 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. “It’s 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 didn’t 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. It’s a stumbling block that doesn’t fluster Small in the slightest.

“I don’t 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 doesn’t matter – I’ll have an answer for it. I’m going to be like water. I’m 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.

“I’ve got youth on my side,” adds Small. “Rhodes has already been here before. He fought for the WBC International belt in his last fight. He’s been around for years. It’s not as easy to get motivated for a British title fight when you’ve been in and around that level for over a decade.

“I’m new to this. This is my big night. Rhodes is my stepping-stone to bigger things. I haven’t been in tear-ups like he has. I haven’t been knocked out a few times like he has. I haven’t 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 I’ll do it.

“Not only that, I can also mix it up much better than Rhodes. I won’t run in this fight. I’ll stand there and have it out with him if he wants it. If Rhodes wants to stand and go toe-to-toe, I’m there ready to bang with him. If he wants to run, I’ll 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 don’t 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.”

I never would want to see a fighter hurt - but I sincerely hope Ryan knocks out Small. :x

[whicker]

Credit to him for hyping up the fight! He definatly is generating a "mouthy twat" image for himself.

odds for this are Rhodes 9/10 Small 10/11, so Rhodes has the edge.

Rhodes should pull well ahead on points and win comfortably I'd say.

[n1ebf]

Weeks ago my initial reaction was that the younger fresher man would win. Gradually however I have come to thinking that Rhodes has the better chance.
I predict a KO for Rhodes inside the distance.
That said I do not find Small particularly nasty or offensive, a tad deluded perhaps but apart from that he's okay in my book. I like Rhodes too. It should be a very interesting fight.

[Spud]

Weeks ago my initial reaction was that the younger fresher man would win. Gradually however I have come to thinking that Rhodes has the better chance.
I predict a KO for Rhodes inside the distance.
That said I do not find Small particularly nasty or offensive, a tad deluded perhaps but apart from that he's okay in my book. I like Rhodes too. It should be a very interesting fight.

I think its a fantastic fight - and yes I concede Small is not to bad with regards to some of the hype etc etc he brings to boxing - i just dont like the man thats all.

[DG.]

I do not mind who wins BUT Small can come again but RR can not so RR hopefully wins!

[hitman_hatton1]

i think rhodes will win.

probably pts.

rhodes has a tighter style these days.

small leaves too many gaps for him.

i want small to win though.

come on ants.

[DG.]

i think rhodes will win.

probably pts.

rhodes has a tighter style these days.

small leaves too many gaps for him.

i want small to win though.

come on ants.

I see you may be the new MOD over at Doghouse?

They must be gagging to accept you!

[hitman_hatton1]

I see you may be the new MOD over at Doghouse?

They must be gagging to accept you!

[DG.]

I see you may be the new MOD over at Doghouse?

They must be gagging to accept you!

GitMODHatton1

[steve689]

I have a gut feeling Small will win but I hope to god I'm wrong. Great card all round, now just get that Lindsay-Appleby undercard sorted

[Quixall]

The man talks too much....

Rhodes' superior skill, guille and experience will tell late on in the fight and IMO Rhodes will either stop small somewhere around the 10th round or get a decision.

I'm hoping to see Small sparked

[DG.]

The man talks too much....

Rhodes' superior skill, guille and experience will tell late on in the fight and IMO Rhodes will either stop small somewhere around the 10th round or get a decision.

I'm hoping to see Small sparked

It could happen!

[oliverfennell]

Nothing wrong with this bit of hype.

He's bigging himself up, and so what?

As for his assessment of Rhodes, some of it may come across as a bit harsh, but ultimately nothing he said was inaccurate or unfair.

Great fight, though. I hope Small wins because I think he'll be good for British boxing if he wins - showmen, love them or hate them, get bums on seats.