UK News: Ryder-Saunders; Froch-Kessler; Rabchenko

Following reports on internet forums questioning whether the Billy Joe Saunders V John Ryder contest for the British Middleweight Championship will go ahead, in light of an announcement that Saunders will fight for the WBO Intercontinental Championship on July 20th at Wembley Arena, Queensberry Promotions wish to clarify the position by the following statement:

“Andy Ayling, on behalf of Queensberry Promotions won the right to stage the British Middleweight Championship between Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder, following a purse offer at the British Boxing Board of Control last Wednesday (22nd May). The terms of this purse offer were easy to understand and very straightforward. The Promoter must inform the BBBofC of a date and a venue for the contest to take place no later than 5pm on Wednesday 5th June. In turn, both boxers have ten days in which to sign a simple and standard BBBofC contract and return it by 1st June 2013. The terms specifically state that the fight cannot happen within 21 days of the purse offer and further that neither boxer can take part in any contest within 28 days of the date submitted by the Promoter.

Understanding these terms, Saunders’ Manager, Frank Warren contacted Queensberry Promotions expressing a wish for Billy Joe Saunders to fight Gary O’Sullivan on 20th July for the WBO Intercontinental title. Due to this date not affecting the terms of the purse offer nor Mr Saunders obligations and as the British title is not at stake, then naturally no objection was raised.
 
Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt both Andy Ayling on behalf of Queensberry Promotions, Mr. Warren and Billy Joe Saunders, having already signed contracts, clearly have every intention in staging this contest as per the terms of the purse offer. Accordingly, once John Ryder’s signed contract is received, a date and venue will be announced for this exciting clash to take place.”

Sky Sports viewers can relive the epic rematch between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler at 8.30pm on Sky Sports HD4 on Saturday night (June 1).

Froch gained sweet revenge on Kessler, outpointing the Dane in their breathtaking encounter at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night (May 25) – with the sold-out crowd and Sky Sports Box Office audience on the edge of their seats through the 12 rounds of gripping action.

“Sports fans are in for a huge treat this Saturday when this epic battle is replayed on Sky Sports,” said Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “It was a special night for Carl Froch and for British boxing as he avenged his loss to Mikkel Kessler on a night that will go down in history within the sport.”

FONDU: "BEATING DELLA ROSA WILL PUT RABCHENKO IN LINE FOR A WORLD TITLE"

HATTON PROMOTIONS's international matchmaker Philippe Fondu believes Sergey Rabchenko's European light-middleweight title defence against Emanuele Della Rosa will provide the perfect springboard to a world title shot.

Rabchenko is ranked as the number one contender to Saul Alvarez's WBC crown, while Italy's Della Rosa occupies the same sanctioning body's number four spot.

The European Boxing Union (EBU) has called for purse bids to be opened on Tuesday June 18 and Hatton Promotions, if successful in the process, hope to get Rabchenko home advantage.

Due to both boxers having such high rankings, Fondu feels victory for his man will pave the way for a shot on the world stage.

"A good win of Rabchenko against Della Rosa should certainly establish Sergey as the leading contender in the light-middleweight division," he said.

"A world title fight opportunity would then become a reality and shouldn't be far away."

Fondu, who manages a number of Europe's best up-and-coming boxers, believes part of Sergey's rise to the top can be attributed to him linking up with four-time world champion Ricky Hatton in 2012.

Their first fight together saw the unbeaten Belarusian lift his European championship by beating Ryan Rhodes. Since then he's scored two more victories and added the WBC's silver title to his collection.

"Sergey has very much improved since Ricky Hatton became his coach and the chemistry between the two is absolutely fantastic," Fondu stated.

"Against Ryan Rhodes, it lead to a fantastic stoppage in the middle rounds and lately, against Adriano Nicchi, a three-time Italian champion , it was all over in two.

"Della Rosa will be his best opponent yet. His record is impressive and his sole loss, a controversial split decision, was in Germany against then top champion Sebastian Zbik."

Ricky Hatton said: "I'm looking forward to Sergey's potential defence against Della Rosa as it's a great match.

"Della Rosa is very talented and has a decent world ranking so this not an easy fight by any means, but I'm confident Sergey will win and push on towards that world title shot."