Ingle’s advice for new pro Rhodes Jnr

Former featherweight world champ Paul Ingle passes on his knowledge to George Rhodes Jnr, who has turned professional. Pictures: Paul Atkinson

Rhodes Jnr has signed professional terms with promoter Dave Coldwell and is aiming to make his debut later this month, once he has received the go-ahead from the British Boxing Board of Control.

Ingle, who won both the IBF and IBO world featherweight titles along with the British, European and Commonwealth titles, sees a bright future for Rhodes Jnr.

He said: “George can go far in the sport if he listens and works hard.

“I’ve known him a long time and he’s got talent, and he should make that step up to professional well.

“He needs to understand that he’s fighting lads who are in there to feed their families now and not for trophies anymore, it’s a totally different ball game.

“He’ll need to adjust his style a bit from his amateur fights and be more patient in picking his shots, but his dad (trainer George Rhodes Snr) knows the game inside-out and will tell him that too.”

Rhodes Jnr added: “To get advice off Paul is amazing for me at this stage.

“He did it all in boxing and I’ve grown up watching his fights on YouTube.

“I’m working hard at the moment and can’t wait to get in there now.”