Sport

Manchester’s Ricky Hatton the man to lead Sergey Rabchenko to greatness, says boxer’s manager

By Ed Owen

After witnessing his unbeaten fighter clinically destroy Adriano Nicchi last Saturday, Sergey Rabchenko’s manager believes Ricky Hatton is the coach to lead him to great things.

The Manchester-based Belarusian destroyed a badly overmatched Nicchi, besieging him with looping blows before knocking him out in the second round under the Monte Carlo lights.

And following on from that display Rabchenko’s manager Philippe Fondu was quick to place his trust in the man behind the Minsk-born boxer’s rise– the Hitman.

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

“Sergey didn’t give any chance to Nicchi and knocked him out cold in the second.

“It certainly impressed Prince Albert II and I know many more will be thrilled when they see his power and accuracy.”

The light-middleweight was defending his EBU crown at the Salle des Etoiles, adding another victim to his formidable record of 23 fights, 17 mknockouts – a fearsome 74% knockout rate.

Having added Monaco royalty to his growing list of admirers, the 27-year-old’s eye will now be focused on future challenges –a mandatory defence of his European and WBC silver belts.

Such a defence could see Rabchenko return to the venue he rocked last weekend to face another Italian, Emanuele Della Rosa.

Rumours of a potential clash between the pair – both highly ranked by the WBC – were welcomed by Fondu, who sees it as another stepping stone for his fighter.

“Della Rosa has an excellent record of 31-1-0 and is currently rated number three by the WBC,” said the Belgian.

“As Sergey is himself rated at number two, this contest should be for an eliminator the WBC world title.”

Image courtesy of Eurosport, via YouTube, with thanks

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