George Rhodes gunning for area title opportunity

Rhodes bagged a 39-37 points victory against Dale Arrowsmith at the Doncaster Dome, taking his record to six wins, one defeat and one draw from his eight professional outings to date.

The Westway ABC man made a steady start on his return to the ring.

Arrowsmith managed to take the first round as the Scarborough man took a while to get going, but he utilised his jab and superior footwork and movement in the following three rounds to take the victory.

“I wasn’t overly pleased with the performance,” admitted Rhodes.

“Sometimes you fight these guys and they just cruise through fights, but Dale came to win and it was a tough, close fight.

“I lost the first as I was very rusty, but managed to do enough to take the next three and we move on now.”

Rhodes is eyeing more consistent fight dates after a three-year absence from the ring and hopes to get out in May before his stag do in June.

“I’d like to get another four-rounder in as soon as possible and I will be speaking to my manager Dave Coldwell and maybe Stefy Bull too to see what we can sort.

“I was just so pleased to get back into the ring after so long out of it, the buzz of the ring walk and everything involved on the night is great and I have missed it.”

Longer term, Rhodes is hoping to position himself in the rankings to land an area title shot.

Rhodes admits that is a little way off at the moment though and is merely focussed on getting back into consistent action.

“I’d like to look towards an area title shot, maybe next year if things go to plan and I can pick up a few wins, but we’ll see what happens.”

Rhodes was also quick to thank his loyal supporters, sponsors and coach, dad George Rhodes Snr, for their support.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the people buying tickets and supporting me, my dad, Bill Swales at BJ’s Fitness and all my sponsors for their help too,” he added.