Hatton Boxing: Rhodes vs. Messi May 21 In Sheffield

European light-middleweight Ryan Rhodes will headline Hatton Promotions first ever show in Sheffield.

Rhodes, 33, will make the first defence of his title when he faces Italian Luca Messi at Ponds Forge International Leisure Centre on Friday May 21.

Ricky Hatton said: “Ryan proved when he beat my great mate Jamie Moore last year to become European champion that he is a world class fighter. “He has never ever been beaten as a light-middleweight and we will move hell and high water to help deliver him a world title opportunity.

“I am delighted to be promoting in Sheffield and it brings memories flooding back as it is where I unified the light-welterweight title in 2005 against Carlos Maussa.”

Hatton Promotions CEO Gareth Williams added: “It is another new city for us to promote in and shows that although Hatton Promotions are Manchester based we are looking to expand around Britain. “Sheffield has produced some of Britain’s greatest ever boxers like Herol Graham and Naseem Hamed. We want to add Ryan to that list with a world title belt.”

Messi, 35, challenged for the WBA crown in August 2005, losing on points to Alejandro Garcia. He has been victorious in 36 of his 44 fights, but is in fine form winning his last six fights.

The show will be made up of some of Britain’s best young boxers including unbeaten St Helens middleweight Martin Murray who will feature in a title bout. Other top class fighters boxing on the Bill include Steve Foster Jnr and Andy Morris who both face good Continental opponents.

Hatton Promotions matchmaker Richard Poxon hails from the Steel city and his talent stacked bill includes locals John Fewkes, Ross Burkinshaw and unbeaten heavyweight hopeful Richard Towers.

Tickets: £25 £75 and VIP Ringside £125. Available from the Box Office – 0161 775 7500.