Rhodes' career has stalled over the past few years

Former world title challenger Ryan Rhodes knocked out Gary Woolcombe to reclaim the British light-middleweight title in London.

The 31-year-old seized control early in the fight and knocked out Woolcombe in the ninth round with a right hander.

It was Woolcombe's first defence since winning the title against Marcus Portman.

Rhodes won the belt in 1996 before a 1997 defeat by Otis Grant for the WBO middleweight title stalled his career.

He stepped things up in the sixth round with his right hook and southpaw left causing Woolcombe problems and the left forced the Londoner to take a count before holding on desperately for the end of the round.

But it was only a matter of time before Rhodes went on for his 27th knockout victory in a career consisting of 39 wins and four defeats.