All Rhodes Lead To Margarito? Rhodes Destroys Messi

Sheffield, England—World title contender Ryan Rhodes destroyed Italian opponent Luca Messi in front of a hometown crowd Friday night. Rhodes successfully defended his European title with a sixth round stoppage against the over matched Messi.

Rhodes opened the fight in a southpaw style and landed power shots early and often, dropping the Italian journeyman within the first round.  Messi complained he slipped, but it seemed more a sign of distress than a legitimate complaint.  Messi struggled to land any telling blows and was floored again as Rhodes dominated the third round. 

For periods, it seemed that Argentinian namesake, diminutive soccer star Lionel Messi may have been a better matchup; at least he would have been somewhat evasive.  After winning rounds four and five, Rhodes brought the contest to an end with an onslaught of left hands, the referee stepping in to end the contest in the sixth.

The win kept Rhodes on course for bigger fights against significantly more dangerous opponents. Currently ranked at number three by Ring Magazine in the Junior Middleweight division, Rhodes has seen a rocky road to the top of the sport.  The self styled Spice Boy burst onto the scene from the same stable as Prince Naseem Hamed and showed early promise.  The hype died down when he received his first loss to Otis Grant by unaminous decision, and was knocked out twice in the next few years.

Rhodes has toiled away from the world stage but built a credible reputation by compiling a 43-4 record with 29 knockouts.  The Sheffield hardman has won nine straight since a defeat to Gary Lockett, and will now look to move on to the truly elite stage, making no secret of his intentions after the Messi fight.

“Absolutely.  What a fantastic fight it would be between me and Margarito for the WBC title” said Rhodes.  Rhodes has fought many tough fights and has won respect throughout Europe as a hardened veteran.  Margarito however will pose the greatest challenge of his boxing life.

Margarito may well be tempted by the offer, still fighting to rebuild his reputation since the hand wrap scandal.  A credible fight against a European veteran may prime him for his return to the intense spotlight he will receive should he return to big time fights in the United States.