Rhodes to bring back glory years

As British light-middleweight champion and two-time WBO title challenger, he was heading for international titles.

The world seemed at his feet.

Injury, illness and other problems then conspired to take the one-time 'Spice Boy' out of the public eye, though.

But, 12 months ago, he battled back, slipping to a narrow 12-round points reverse to Gary Lockett in WBU title combat.

Then, in June this year, boxing pundits started taking notice again.

In just 89 seconds, he KO-ed tough Geordie Paul Buchanan at Barnsley Metrodome.

It was more than just a good punch - it was a declaration Rhodes was back.

Frustratingly, boxing's close season arrived, removing potential opponents from further harm.

It will be October 13 when he fights again, at the same venue.

Rhodes' route back to the stardom that evaded him is now secured firmly in his mind.

"I'm dropping back to light-middleweight (11 stone) and ticking over well with my training and my eating," he says.

"My sparring has been good, I've been in with Kell Brook and I hope to get Paul Smith over frtom Liverpool. My last fight was a brilliant experience and I would have fought again the next day if I could.

"But I'll take whoever comes my way in October and then go seeking a title after that."

The obvious opponents will be British champion Jamie Moore or Commonwealth titlist Bradley Pryce.

"Moore is in the IBF's top 10 in the world, but I'm confident I can beat him," said Rhodes.

"After that, I'd try and get in the top five - and my shot at a champion."

While it's all looking rosy for the 30-year-old, one question remains. Do the fans still remember him?

"I'm not sure whether they have forgotten me or not, probably not," he said.

"Things aren't like they were before but I'll get it back again."