By Phil D. Jay
Junior middleweight Ryan Rhodes will move his fight camp to Manchester this week to work with undefeated British middleweight prospect Martin Murray and WBA title challenger Matthew Macklin as he looks to replicate WBC world champion Saul Alvarez’s workrate in his gruelling training sessions.
The 34 year-old faces a daunting trip to Jalisco in Mexico on June 18th where he will venture into the new WBC champion’s backyard and attempt to strip him of his belt. Former British and European champion Rhodes believes his time with the two 160lb fighters can only help his preparations.
“Just recently I have been sparring with (stablemate) Curtis Woodhouse” Rhodes told The Sheffield Star.
“Curtis does his best to unsettle me. He has the heart of a lion, so they are good sessions. This week I plan to be in Manchester with Martin Murray and hoping to move on to (Gallaghers Gym to work with) Matthew Macklin, who boxes for a world title the week after me.
“Macklin and Murray are similar to Alvarez’s strength and style, so it will be useful.”
The American and Mexican public, who hold Alvarez, 20, in the highest regard, see the Mexican superstar as a future hall of famer already. “Canelo” has amassed an impressive 26 knockout in 37 contests since turning pro at just 15 and Rhodes is weary of the champion’s aggressive style.
“He’s a come-forward fighter who is in your face constantly,” explained Rhodes.
“He throws lot of punches, all of them designed to try and knock you out.
“I have to make sure I am not available for him to hit. So I am working on defence, leg and head movement, moving side to side so I am in different positions as much as possible,” he added.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net