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Rhodes: rolled back the years

Led by Naseem Hamed, there was a fabulous buzz in the steel city as Johnny Nelson, Clifton Mitchell, Kevin Adamson, Esham Pickering, Junior Witter, and even less prominent fighters like Anas Oweida and Thomas Bradley all formed part of a bubbly boxing gang. It was so much fun in the late 90's as the friends bounced off each other and provided infectious fun.

Adam Smith
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For such a brutal and ultra-competitive sport, boxing provides extraordinary camaraderie and friendship.

Recently those eight Prizefighter heavyweights provided us with a wonderful blend of terrific tear-ups in the ring and comforting hugs out of it.

On a rather emotional Friday Fight Night last week there were some great reunions. Clocks seemed to have been wound right back as we took a trip down memory lane.

Once upon a time, Ryan Rhodes was the next bright boxing star. At 20 he was the youngest British Light-Middleweight champion for 57 years, and he held the record for winning the Lonsdale belt outright in the quickest time.

He was the latest product from the Brendan Ingle conveyor belt on Wincobank Hill. Sheffield switch-hitters were all the rage.

Led by Naseem Hamed, there was a fabulous buzz in the steel city as Johnny Nelson, Clifton Mitchell, Kevin Adamson, Esham Pickering, Junior Witter, and even less prominent fighters like Anas Oweida and Thomas Bradley all formed part of a bubbly boxing gang. It was so much fun in the late nineties as the 'friends' bounced off each other and provided infectious fun.

Unfortunately for Ryan, the shooting star faded quickly. It was a shame that his two cracks at the world title were up at middleweight. Rhodes was always a powerful and natural light-middleweight.

Dedication

Over a decade later, it has suddenly all taken off for Rhodes. The most likeable of fighters has endured tough times but patience, dedication and self-belief have incredibly enabled Ryan to come again.

At the York Hall last week, Rhodes put in a fabulous display to rip his old British 11-stone crown back from the honest, motivated but out-gunned Gary Woolcombe. It was almost vintage stuff from Rhodes - who welled up as the Lonsdale belt was placed back around his waist, after a crunching ninthth round knockout.

It was Groundhog Day at Bethnal Green, with so many of the old Ingle fighters there - from Johnny Nelson in studio to Esham Pickering and Kevin Adamson in the packed crowd - to another old face, Pele Reid, who was back in the ring.

With the same green and yellow colours, pre-fight splits and fast start, Reid, tried to take out John McDermott; although as unfortunately used to happen to Pele, his chin let him down again.

And watching every minute from ringside was a very familiar old face. Naseem Hamed made a rare but welcome appearance with his wife Eleasha. Looking happy, relaxed and a fair few stone over his fighting weight, Naz cheered Ryan all the way. Just like the old days - when they were inseparable.

It was lovely to see Naz. Despite his well-documented problems outside the ring, he was on good form. He even remembered my Mum! We had a very close fighter/reporter relationship, and I must have interviewed him over 150 times during his boxing years.

We had our ups and downs, but we always tried to bring the best out in each other, and I've got to admit I miss him. Working life with Naz was never ever dull, and the sport is certainly less colourful without him. Tune into a special Friday Fight Night this week to hear more of what Naseem Hamed had to say.

Homecoming

We have also dropped into Ricky Hatton's gym ahead of his huge homecoming amongst his 55,000 friends, when he tackles Juan Lazcano on May 24th.

There's a revealing insight into rival Paulie Malignaggi's preparations for his place on the City of Manchester bill on the show - and how he's relishing a battle with the Hitman in the Autumn. Plus we are counting down to Oscar De La Hoya's big LA return.

I couldn't finish this week without sending congratulations to another old boxing friend. Joe Calzaghe deserves enormous acclaim, despite not looking at his best against the sly,ageing Bernard Hopkins. After that dreadful start, Calzaghe at least forced the fight, and I had him edging it by a round.

I wasn't sure he'd get it though, on the cards! My colleague Ian Darke thought likewise, but Glenn McCrory, who was out there, felt Hopkins had done enough. Calzaghe won ugly, but he won. The result was the all-important factor as his superb career nears the end.

Amazingly Ryan Rhodes made it out to Vegas hours after his triumph to cheer Calzaghe on. Its one of the things that makes boxing so special; the bond between fighters. Enjoy your success Joe... you too Ryan.

It's great to see that the good old boys are back in town.

What did you make of Ryan Rhodes' performance - and Naz's interview? What do you remember of the stars of Sheffield? Let Adam know by filling in the feedback form below...