Rhodes vs. Rabchenko For European Light Middle Title

Hatton Promotions stable-mates Ryan Rhodes and Sergey Rabchenko will meet for the vacant European light-middleweight title at Manchester Velodrome, on Saturday 16th June.

The brilliant 12 round battle will be one of several top class fights on the ‘Road To Glory’ bill headed by the WBA interim super-bantamweight championship clash between Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe.

A third championship battle will be announced tomorrow.

The pair were due to meet last month, but Rhodes was forced to pull out because of a back injury that prevented him from training. Belarussian Rabchenko, 26, who spends much of his time training in Manchester is unbeaten in 20 fights – with 15 victories inside the distance.

Ryan, 35, won the title when he beat Jamie Moore in October 2009 in a memorable war, but was stripped after one defence because of injury. Last June, Rhodes (46-5) stepped up to world level and was stopped in the 12th round by Mexican star Saul Alvarez in a WBC title challenge.

Hatton Promotions CEO Ricky Hatton has no doubt what awaits the winner, saying: “I am sure I will get the victor a world title fight. It is an exceptional fight between two special boxers and it fills me with excitement at what these lads will serve up for fans.

"Sergey is one of the best young talents in Europe and Ryan might be getting on in years, but his hunger and desire hasn’t diminished. He proved that when he beat Siarhei Khomiski in November. His injury has cleared up, he’s raring to go and determined to see off Rabchenko.”

The on-sale ticket date will be confirmed early next week, but you can register your interest by calling 01925 755 222. Ticket prices are £125 (VIP Inner Ringside + exclusive cash bar), £100 Ringside, £55, £35 and £30.

For all the latest updates please follow the Twitter account dedicated to fight @quiggvmunroe