By Terence Dooley

London’s Anthony Small will be the away fighter for the second time in as many fights when he defends his British light-middleweight title against Thomas McDonagh at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday night.  However, Small believes that McDonagh, dubbed ‘The Storm Boy’, is a stepping stone on the world glory ladder.

Anthony, 28, is looking beyond Thomas, also 28; Small has his sights set on Sheffield’s Ryan Rhodes, who recently defeated Jamie Moore.  The current EBU title holder, Ryan was due to take on Small earlier this year, when Ryan was the British title incumbent, only to pull out off the fight due to an illness.  Small, though, believes that Rhodes withdrawal was prompted by fear, and he blasted Rhodes when talking to Sky Sports.

“He's just won the European title but vacated the British title rather than fight me,” declared Small.  “He talks about going on to bigger and better things, but there's a saying in boxing - 'you can run but you can't hide'.

“If Rhodes gets a shot at the world title I'll be hot on his heels.  He can fight me now or later.  I'm the biggest and baddest thing out there.  I'm chasing glory at the peak of my career, and anyone who gets in my way is going to get crushed.  I'm one of the best fighters in the world and I'm going to prove it - not just one of the best fighters, but the best.”

Small is 22-1 (16); his only loss was a controversial stoppage at the hands of Bradley Pryce in 2007; many feel that Anthony was stopped early in that one.  Still, the Pryce fight exposed big flaws in the maverick style of Rhodes, flaws that may have been glossed over, rather than removed, in recent fights.

McDonagh, like Small, is something of a stylist, the Mancunian’s ultra-tidy, ultra-orthodox style is based off a solid jab and good counter shots.  Indeed, the technical boxing of Thomas could be the perfect antidote to the erratic style of Small, who was pitch perfect when dismantling Matthew Hall in July but has sometimes drifted through big fights.

It makes for an intriguing contest on a stacked Hatton’s Promotions bill.  Look for long periods of boredom to be punctuated by brief bursts of showboating, with Small grabbing a split decision after a tepid, or technical, depending on your taste, encounter.

Olympian Joe Murray will play a starring role on the undercard; the youngster takes on Barrington Brown and he will be looking for his 4th pro victory.  Brown, 5-4-2 (2 KO’s) floored Jon Kays in March and the Nottingham man is an erratic and troublesome puncher.  Murray, 22, will need to be on his toes; he should box and bang his way to a points win.

Andy Morris Junior, Denton Vassell and Scott Quigg also feature.  The show will be televised live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 10pm tomorrow night.

Ticket information can be obtained by visiting www.brandhatton.com/TV