Munroe set for tough test

Munroe: Fifth title defence

Maludrottu is world-class and Rendall needs to step up a gear and prove he can beat the world's best.

Frank Maloney.
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Rendall Munroe v Simone Maludrottu
November 20, 9.30pm, Sky Sports 1

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Leicester binman Rendall Munroe faces the toughest test of his professional career when he steps into the ring with Simone Maludrottu.

Munroe will be defending his European super-bantamweight crown for the fifth time when he fights the Italian at Nottingham's Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre on November 20.

Promoter Frank Maloney, who hopes the fight will be granted WBC eliminator status for the world crown held by Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka, has told Munroe to prepare for a difficult battle.

"Maludrottu is world-class and Rendall needs to step up a gear and prove he can beat the world's best," said Maloney.

"Maludrottu made six defences of the European bantamweight title before giving it up and then went close when he challenged for a world title in Japan.

Tough assignment

"He beat one of my other fighters Ian Napa on points a couple of years ago. Anybody who knows boxing will tell you Ian only loses to very best.

"I know Mike and Jason Shinfield have got top sparring for Rendall and are looking at tapes of Maludrottu.

"Nothing has been taken to chance and with purse bids securing home advantage I am confident Rendall will be alright on the night even though this is the toughest assignment of his career."

Also on the bill in Nottingham is Sunderland's 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries, who will be bidding for his fifth straight victory.