Hayemaker Boxing: Anthony Small Says Ryan Rhodes Fight Just A Formality

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). “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 skillful 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.”

Although 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.”

Anthony Small’s British title showdown with champion Ryan Rhodes is the co-main event at “Hayemaker 6: The Mersey Beatdown” at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on March 28.

Also featured on the stacked card is local lad Tony Dodson’s British title challenge against champion Brian Magee, as well as the English title clash between Tony Quigley and Paul David and the British title eliminator between John Watson and Martin Gethin.

To purchase tickets “Hayemaker 6: The Mersey Beatdown” visit www.accliverpool.com or call 0844 8000 400.