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Standing ovation for Rhys

10/ 7/2008

WHITEFIELD professional Rhys Roberts took his blossoming career to four wins from four fights with a comprehensive points win against 39-year-old journeyman Delroy Spencer from Wolverhampton.

The 19-year-old was given a standing ovation from the spectators at Everton Park Leisure Centre for his excellent performance on Friday night.

After the fight, boxing officials and former world champion Johnny Nelson expressed the opinion that Roberts is a champion in the making.

And Brian Hughes, Roberts’ trainer at the Collyhurst and Moston Lads Club gym, said: "Rhys had a five-hour wait before he boxed but his concentration and focus were first rate."

Roberts names Floyd Mayweather as his all-time hero – and he reckons that his style is similar to the American superstar.

The super bantamweight, who is impressively quick and strong, would love nothing more than to follow Mayweather to the top of the world of boxing.

And the former Parrenthorn High School pupil is no stranger to success on the world stage having won a world kick boxing title before moving into boxing.

Roberts, who trains twice a day while also working as a barber part-time, has another fight at the Liverpool Olympia on Saturday, July 19, before he jets off to train in New York with his gymmates.

And he says that he wants to have a central area title shot or something equally important within his next 10 fights.