Rabchenko Impresses Monaco Royalty, Eyes July Return

By Jake Donovan

Sergey Rabchenko drew the attention of Monaco royalty with his ring performance in Monte Carlo on Saturday evening. Now the unbeaten super welterweight is on the hunt for boxing royalty.

A 2nd round knockout of Adriano Nicchi on Saturday’s card – which aired live via pay-per-view in the United States – backed up pre-fight claims from promoter Ricky Hatton that his fighter is destined for stardom. Rabchenko knew the standards he needed to live up to and in a fight personally viewed from ringside by one of the wealthiest leaders in the world - yet still managed to exceed. 

"Sergey didn’t give any chance to Nicchi and knocked him out cold in the second,” noted Philppe Fondu, Rabchenko’s manager. “It certainly impressed Prince Albert II (the royal leader of Monaco) and I know many more will be thrilled when they see his power and accuracy."

Rabchenko (23-0, 17KO) was there to be hit in the 1st round of his regional title fight, but took over in a big way in round two. Switching back and forth between conventional and southpaw helped create openings, against which Nicchi found himself under siege. A volley of unanswered punches was punctuated by an overhand left that put the Italian down and out.

The win is the latest in a string of impressive achievements for Rabchenko, who reached breakout status after his 7th round knockout of Ryan Rhodes last June. 

"I am absolutely convinced that under Ricky’s guidance, Sergey Rabchenko is on his way to fame and glory," Fondu said.

The next step in his career could land him back in Monte Carlo, on a July 13 card that features a million dollar catchweight bout between Edwin Rodriguez and Denis Grachev, both of whom scored decision wins on Saturday’s show. Rabchenko is next slated to face Emmanuelle Della Rosa, with both contenders on the pursuit of unbeaten super welterweight titlist Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Time will tell if Alvarez is still champion by then, as he faces a dangerous assignment in fellow beltholder Austin Trout later this month. Rabchenko’s handlers would just like assurances of bigger things to come in the aftermath of their fighter’s next ring appearance.

"Della Rosa has an excellent record of 31-1 and is currently rated number three by the WBC," states Fondu. "As Sergey is himself rated at number two, this contest should be for an eliminator the WBC world title."