By Terence Dooley

Jamie Moore has recovered from the virus that had laid him low; he is now fit and ready for his October 23rd showdown with the evergreen Ryan Rhodes.  Moore, 30, was a fledgling pro when Ryan first won the Lonsdale light-middleweight title, Ryan subsequently fell out of favor after a run of poor form, but has had an Indian summer in recent times.  Moore, though, is hoping to rain shots down on Rhodes at the Bolton Arena, and end the Sheffield man's recent resurgence.

Moore told The Star that Rhodes will not be getting his hands on his EBU light-middleweight title, as well as assuring people that he will be the fighter who goes onto a possible world title shot.

“It'll be a great fight for the fans,” enthused Moore.  “Both of us can punch so, effectively, the fight could end at any minute.  It's a typical fighter v boxer match-up, so it should be entertaining.”

Moore brushed off questions about his health, claiming that his virus has been well and truly KO'd. 

“Training is going great,” he continued.  “I've just got back from Spain to try to get over the virus, but I'm in good shape now - I'm just sharpening the tools I have that can beat Ryan.  I'm very confident.  It's a big fight for Britain but no matter who I'm fighting, from anywhere in the world, I believe I can beat them.  I know everything about Ryan.  He was a champion when I was just starting and I really enjoy watching him.  He's a really good fighter - but come October, he will come to realize that I am better.”

Moore has had assurances from the WBC that the winner of this bout will be boosted into a mandatory spot; Sergio Martinez, the current WBC title holder, has fought in the UK three times - hammering Richard ‘The Secret’ Williams on two of those occasions.  Team Moore could tempt Sergio over to these shores. 

Alternatively, Moore would be prepared to travel to the US for his shot.  In fact, Moore has often stated that a title fight on US shores would be a dream come true; first, though, he must get by Rhodes, who has a habit of raising his game in the big domestic showdowns.

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