Jamie Moore v Ryan Rhodes (Spoiler)

[The_budweiser]

Sheffield's Ryan Rhodes is the new European light-middleweight champion after a thrilling seventh-round stoppage of Jamie Moore in Bolton.

 

The 32-year-old Rhodes looked like he might be overpowered by Salford's Moore in the early rounds, but rallied well.

 

Rhodes dropped his 30-year-old rival with a big right hook early in round seven before Moore regained his senses.

 

But Rhodes rocked Moore with another right hand and the referee stepped in with 35 seconds remaining in the round.

 

bbc boxing

[Faulks]

Sheffield’s Ryan Rhodes emerged from a British fight of the year contender to win the European Light-Middleweight crown from Salford’s blue collar hero, Jamie Moore tonight in seven pulsating rounds.

 

In the performance of his career Ryan Rhodes has shed the nearly man tag and extinguished any doubts over his chin, resolve and stomach for the toughest fights. The fight ebbed and flowed but Rhodes seemingly suicidal decision to fight in Jamie’s domain, rather than box on the outside, appeared in hindsight to be an exceptional tactical decision.

 

Rhodes revealing in the post fight interview with the always excellent Ed Robinson, that he changed from the pre-fight game plan to conserve energy and try and draw the worst of Moore in the meantime. A big gamble but one which began to pay dividends around the 4th round as Moore looked to have lost the confidence which characterised his early work in the fight.

 

A rising right hook began the finish, early in the seventh Moore slumped to the canvas, looking emptied by the shot but as late as the count of seven his head cleared and the legs were strong as he rose to Howard Foster’s count. And such is Moore’s drive he actually forced Rhodes back as the Sheffield man seemed to avoid the mistake of over-exerting in trying to knock out the champion.

 

In a curious twist, it was Moore who over-exerted in trying to fight back and left his chin out for an over the top right which Rhodes duly delivered and landed a series of follow up punches to drive Moore close to the canvas as Foster dove in.

 

Rhodes now has the tantalising prospect of shots at either Julio Cesar Chavez Junior or WBC champion Sergio Martinez. He will fancy either, but whether he has the connections to get either in the ring, remains to be seen. At least one defence of the European belt looks entirely more likely and for Moore the suggestion of a move to Middleweight looks possible. Moore, in his typically admirable style refused to acknowledge any reason for his defeat other than Rhodes supremacy on the night.

 

But for now, our thanks to both for a sensational fight and for taking the match, the conducted themselves with characteristic dignity and are a fine advertisement for all that is good in the sport.

[The_budweiser]

i thought moore would of had a early and easy night, im a bit surprised both fighters looked tired 2night early on . credit to 33 year old rhodes i didnt give him a prayer and if he won i never thought he would of stopped moore by tko

[Faulks]

Yeah me to bud. Great fight though. Thats the prediction crown heading Bricks way mlol/

[davieboy]

cracking fight and i like the way they both handled their after fight interviews. very classy and respectful.

 

i fancied moore late on but that was a turn up for the books

[gemmell100]

moore won every round going into the 7th credit to rhodes for pulling off the win.moore look weight drained.great great fight tho.props to both lads for making it a war

[leerhodes]

War of the Roses- Yorkshire 1-0 lancs

 

my fight of the year and well chuffed for Rhodes,i thought Rhodes would go the distance but didnt expect that.Rhodes took some massive shots and did well to stand the early pressure and what a sporting loser in Jamie i hold my hand up to you.