Rabchenko Gets Vitu For First European Defense

Sergey Rabchenko will make the first defence of his European light-middleweight title against Cedric ‘Titi’ Vitu.

The French southpaw, 27, is the mandatory challenger for the unbeaten Belarussian’s crown and the match has been ordered by the EBU.

Vitu has won 35 of his 36 professional contests, with his only loss a majority points defeat against Hamlet Petrosyan back in May 2008.

Since then he has won 17 consecutive bouts and beaten good men like Christophe Canclaux.

Rabchenko’s manager Philippe Fondu, who is also Hatton Promotions European representative said: “This will be an excellent contest between two very good boxers.

“Vitu is a credible challenger and will give Rabchenko an even bigger test than Ryan Rhodes who he beat to win the title.

“Like Rhodes, Vitu is also a southpaw so fighting another lefty will not be a problem for Rabchenko.”

Rabchenko, 26, who has won 16 of his 21 fights inside the distance will start preparing for his big challenge later this month when he returns to Manchester and begins working with trainer Ricky Hatton.

Hatton Promotions and the EBU hope to announce the date of Rabchenko v Vitu in the coming weeks.