Matt Chudley previews tonight's European 122 pound title match-up between champion Rendall Munroe and challenger Simone Maludrottu.

The boxing binman Rendall Munroe returns to action tonight in a mandatory defense of his European Super-Bantamweight title against former world title challenger Simone Maludrottu, in a fight that doubles as an eliminator for the WBC title. Having become a favourite for Frank Maloney's East Midlands fighters, the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham will one again place host to Sky Sports Friday Fight Night.

Munroe was unspectacular last time out in outpointing Ghanaian Isaac Nettey to add the Commonwealth Title to his European strap in May. The poor performance could be attributed to a lack of hunger due to the step down in competition from European level or the monotony in the challenges presented to him since that upset win over Kiko Martinez to claim the blue belt.

After the Martinez win, the 5'7 southpaw was heavily favoured in his next five fights, and has yet to be brought up another rung in the 122lb division. The experienced Italian may just be the proposition need to spark the development of the 19-1 fighter and prevent him from stagnating at European level competition.

Initially a featherweight, Munroe dropped to 122 after losing to then British Champion Andy Morris. Having been able to cut a considerable amount of weight from his relatively large frame, Munroe has found some much better match-ups at the weight. Using his strength and high work rate, Munroe's style has been greatly complimented by the size advantages he has found at 122 and with Maludrottu recently moving up from 118, Munroe will be looking to push the smaller Italian around while getting off a greater volume of shots.

The 30-2 Italian is best known to British fights fans for his fights with Northern Ireland's Damaen Kelly and later with Ian Napa, which where all European title fights down at Bantamweight.

The first Kelly fight was one of the most disputed decisions in recent memory in Europe, with many observers shocked by the unanimous decision in favour of Maludrottu. The Italian later stopped Kelly in a rematch on home soil and retuned to the UK to decision Ian Napa before moving on to challenge the ever impressive Hozumi Hasegawa for the WBC title.

After dropping a decision in Japan to the dark horse top 10 pound for pound candidate, the 31 year old Maladrottu has since moved up to super-bantam and strung together 4 wins over modest competition at the weight.  Lacking power even at bantam, he will look to use his superior skills, experience and switch-hitting to confuse and frustrate the bigger man.

On the under-card....

Entertaining Liverpool Lightweight prospect John Watson features in a 6 rounder against the always awkward Youssef Al Hamidi. Inactive for nearly 8 months, following the break up of Hayemaker promotions, Watson will be looking to shake off some rest as he awaits his mandatory British title challenge.

Also looking to stay sharp is cruiserweight prizefighter winner and former Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Ovill McKenzie, who takes on an a short notice opponent over 6 having moved back down to 175.

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SBN coverage of Rendall Munroe v. Simone Maludrottu (Sky Sports)