The Sheffield puncher is enjoying his second reign over the British light-middleweight division; an honour he will defend against Scottish challenger Jamie Coyle on September 20 at Hillsborough Leisure Centre.

Rhodes, aged 31, won his first Lonsdale title in December 1996. And he insists he is a much better boxer with a decade of experience under his belt.

"The Ryan Rhodes of today definitely beats the Ryan Rhodes who won the title in 1996," says the Ecclesfield boxer.

"I actually watched the two title wins (against Paul 'Silky' Jones in 1996 and Gary Woolcombe in April this year) back to back and couldn't believe the difference.

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"I'm better in every department now. I'm stronger, fitter, faster and just more comfortable as a fighter. I've never felt better."

A pro since February 1995, Rhodes has competed at domestic and world level with varying degrees of success.

A former WBO world middleweight title challenger, Rhodes feels if the time came around again he'd be better equipped to not only challenge for but ultimately win a version of the world light-middle-weight title.

"I'm taking it one step at a time, but I've definitely still got ambitions for world titles," he says.

"There's no doubt in my mind that I'm good enough. I think I'm better prepared now than I've ever been and would go into a world title fight with every confidence that I'd come away with the crown."

Adding some further local flavour to the bill will be Brampton's Josh Wale and ex-Sheffield United man Curtis Woodhouse.

Sheffield's Patrick Maxwell is also boxing.

The show will mark the birth of Hayemaker Boxing as a promotional force.

Box Office enquiries: 0114 256 56 56.

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