The postponed European junior middleweight title clash between English veteran Ryan Rhodes and rising Belarusian Sergey Rabchenko has been re-scheduled for June 16 at the Manchester Velodrome, Lancashire.

Rhodes (46-5, 31 knockouts) and undefeated Rabchenko (20-0, 15 KOs) were due to meet last month before a back injury to the 35-year-old Sheffield fighter put paid to the contest. However, with both men part of Hatton Promotions, it proved an easy match to arrange for a second time.

Hatton CEO Ricky Hatton has declared the bout an eliminator and confirmed it will feature on his ‘Road to Glory’ show, which is being headlined by Scott Quigg versus Rendall Munroe for the WBA interim junior featherweight title.

“I am sure I will get the victor a world title fight,” said the Hitman. “It is an exceptional fight between two special boxers and it fills me with excitement at what these lads will serve up for the fans.

“Sergey is one of the best young talents in Europe and Ryan might be getting on in years, but his hunger and desire hasn’t diminished. He proved that when he beat Siarhei Khomiski in November. His injury has cleared up, he’s raring to go and determined to see off Rabchenko.”

Rabchenko, 26, spends much of his time training in Manchester. In his last outing, two weeks ago at the Ponds Forge, Sheffield, he scored a first round KO against unknown German Ronny Gabel.