SERGEY RABCHENKO believes he’s got the continent’s best light-middleweights on the run.
The unbeaten Belarusian puncher, who has won 17 of his 23 fights by knockout, was due to defend his European and WBC silver crowns against Emanuele Della Rosa.
The Italian, however, decided to withdraw from this week’s purse bids at the eleventh hour.
Spain’s experienced Ruben Varon has been put forward as a replacement by the EBU, but it means another month of waiting around for negotiations to be completed for Rabchenko.
“It is disappointing. I was truly hoping to box against Della Rosa as he is rated number four by the WBC and it was a meaningful fight,” a dejected Sergey said.
“Obviously Della Rosa didn’t want to risk his rating and decided to avoid me, which is very sad, but I wish him all the best and maybe someday he’ll knock at my door for another opportunity.
“I am wondering also why Brian Rose doesn’t seem interested in challenging me. He’s achieved a good career, so far, in becoming British champion and having the Lonsdale belt for keeps.
“Would he not want to try his chance at becoming European champion? Maybe his new promoter feels that it’s a step too far?”
With Sergey now being trained by Ricky Hatton in Manchester, a fight with Blackpool’s Rose would be huge draw in the North West.
However, it’s not something he wants to think too much about at this stage as he knows the fight with Varon isn’t one which can be overlooked.
The Madrid-native has already given Matthew Macklin a hard night in challenge for the European middleweight title and knows how to score an upset, having snapped the unbeaten record of Lukas Konecny in 2004.
“I do not know Ruben Varon and I’ve never seen him box, but from his record I can see that he’s an experienced professional and will, for sure, try to seize the chance to win the European and WBC Silver titles,” Rabchenko said.
“But I will not give him this possibility and I’ll keep my titles, as I have much bigger things to achieve.
“I am fully confident this fight is another step forward in my career. With Ricky Hatton behind me, the sky is the limit!”
