Roberts puncing his way to the big time (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Roberts puncing his way to the big time

4:55pm Wednesday 1st April 2009

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WHITEFIELD boxing ace Rhys Roberts came away with a few influential admirers after stretching his 100 per cent ring record to seven victories on Saturday.

The 19-year-old super bantamwieght beat plucky Welshman Jason Thomas on points in a four-round bout at Altrincham Leisure Centre and, although Roberts felt he could perform better, he caught the eye of some of the sport’s leading names.

Roberts was fighting for the first time under his new employees, Hatton Promotions, and his new paymasters were delighted with what they saw.

“Ricky Hatton said he was pleased with my display and his coach Floyd Mayweather Snr told me he rated me,” said Roberts.

“Ray Hatton (Ricky’s dad) said there was somebody over from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in the USA and he liked what he saw too.

“I must admit I wasn’t too pleased with my display, but it’s still a win. I think I over-trained for the fight a little, in my eagerness to impress, and I peaked too early.

“He was a tough guy, however, and I caught him with some big shots and won hands down. The ref was a bit game, he should have stepped in a couple times and stopped it.”

Roberts admits he is still on a learning curve and will not make the mistake of over-training again.

“My Dad did warn me that I was doing too much, but I wanted to impress and I always get paranoid that I have not done enough,” said Roberts.

“I have a week off from the training after a fight and it drives me mad not being able to do anything.

“I suppose it’s a good thing that I am eager and training is something I enjoy.”

Roberts hopes to be back in the ring by the end of May or beginning of June.

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