Showing posts with label Ricky Hatton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ricky Hatton. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Ricky Hatton denies boxing retirement rumours.
Former double world champion Ricky Hatton says rumours that he is retiring are false and insists he will announce it himself when he is ready to give up boxing.
The Hitman has been telling Tina Daheley from the Chris Moyles show that he does not want to fight Amir Khan but only because they are friends.
Hatton, 31, was in Dagenham, east London, over the weekend to support his brother Matthew, who scored a unanimous points victory over veteran Italian Gianluca Branco to claim the vacant European welterweight title.
The Hitman has been telling Tina Daheley from the Chris Moyles show that he does not want to fight Amir Khan but only because they are friends.
Hatton, 31, was in Dagenham, east London, over the weekend to support his brother Matthew, who scored a unanimous points victory over veteran Italian Gianluca Branco to claim the vacant European welterweight title.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Amir Khan urges Ricky Hatton to retire from boxing
Britain's Amir Khan has urged former champion Ricky Hatton not to continue his boxing career."I think he should retire," said Khan, who is preparing for his American debut with a WBA light-welterweight defence against Paulie Malignaggi on 15 May.
"He's beaten some great fighters and the only two he has lost to have been pound-for-pound best in the world.
"He has the respect of the British fans and boxers and I think he should hang his gloves up and relax now."
Hatton first retired after losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 but returned to the ring a year later.
He has not fought since being knocked out in the second round in Las Vegas by Filipino Manny Pacquiao last May, but announced plans for a return in 2010 last December.
Malignaggi was one of Hatton's victims but has warned Khan he has raised his game since that defeat in 2008.
Malignaggi offers to fight Hatton
The American, stopped by Hatton in the 11th round, won a rematch with Juan Diaz in December to re-establish his credentials as a world title contender.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Gym-shy Ricky Hatton is heading for a heavy fall
Ricky Hatton runs the risk of another embarrassment if he makes a comeback without changing his training methods. Photograph: by Al Bello/Getty ImagesRicky Hatton said before Christmas he was going to take a holiday in Australia with his girlfriend Jennifer and come back early in January to start getting in shape for a comeback.
His timetable was centred on June against an opponent yet to be signed, and he was going to start by ripping off the several stones of flab he'd piled on since Manny Pacquiao knocked him out in May. He would follow that with a 12-week training camp to get back into fighting trim.
Well, Ricky has either changed his mind about a comeback or has got his dates mixed up. Sitting ringside in Stoke last Friday to oversee his promotion on Sky, he looked like the very substantial promoter he has become. If he weighed anything less than 14 stones, it would not be by much. He didn't look as if he'd been anywhere near a gym except to check on his fighters.
I spoke to a leading boxing nutritionist about Hatton's training methods and lifestyle during the week and he is convinced the fighter is heading for a heavy fall.
"You cannot treat your body like that," he said. "Just taking the weight off will drain him. As you near a fight, you should be gaining strength, not worrying about having to get rid of that much excess weight. Ideally, fighters who are active should not be more than a few pounds over their fighting weight at any time. You should not be losing much more than a pound a week in any circumstances, let along preparing for a fight. And I'm not convinced by Ricky's training methods, relying so much on supplements to both lose weight and gain strength. It is not natural. And anything that is not natural is no good for a fighter's body in the long run."
This is an old theme, of course. But still Ricky will not listen. He has the affection of so many fans and is desperate to please them. He can do that by either abandoning the habits of a life time – which is not going to happen – or quitting the ring right now. And I don't think that is going to happen, either.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
To Get Ricky Hatton To Change Professions
Ricky Hatton is best known as a heavy hitting boxer who suffered two high profile losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. And now, Randy Couture hopes that the two time IBF and IBO light welterweight champion will try his hand at MMA, and is willing to train the British professional boxer in ground game if he comes to the UFC.
"I am a big fan of Ricky Hatton,” Couture told the Manchester Evening News. “He is a fantastic fighter. I could get him up to speed on the ground wrestling part of it, while he could take advantage of his boxing talent. He could make a big difference in the lighter categories.”
Couture says that if Hatton could learn the “ways of the UFC,” he could go far in the sport.
“He is a tremendous fighter and has a lot of heart. There is no doubt he could make a tremendous impact with his heart and determination in the ring,” Couture stated.
Hatton said that he may consider the move from boxing to MMA, since the momentum behind the MMA sport is growing.
"It is all action, proper fighting. [The UFC] are going the right away about it to get people interested. There is a concern in boxing that UFC is taking its place. People seem to get more value for money,” Hatton stated. “UFC would be right up my street, I used to kick box so maybe I would be all right."
"I am a big fan of Ricky Hatton,” Couture told the Manchester Evening News. “He is a fantastic fighter. I could get him up to speed on the ground wrestling part of it, while he could take advantage of his boxing talent. He could make a big difference in the lighter categories.”
Couture says that if Hatton could learn the “ways of the UFC,” he could go far in the sport.
“He is a tremendous fighter and has a lot of heart. There is no doubt he could make a tremendous impact with his heart and determination in the ring,” Couture stated.
Hatton said that he may consider the move from boxing to MMA, since the momentum behind the MMA sport is growing.
"It is all action, proper fighting. [The UFC] are going the right away about it to get people interested. There is a concern in boxing that UFC is taking its place. People seem to get more value for money,” Hatton stated. “UFC would be right up my street, I used to kick box so maybe I would be all right."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
HATTON: HAYE CAN DO IT
Ricky Hatton believes David Haye's speed will help him defeat Nikolai Valuev when they meet head on next month.
'The Hayemaker' will go toe to toe with the giant Russian for the WBA world heavyweight title in Nuremburg on November 7, live on Sky Box Office.
The fight has been billed as 'David and Goliath', but despite Valuev's 7ft 2in frame Hatton is confident Haye will be leaving the ring as world champion.
"I think he can beat him and I've thought from the start that he will," he told Soccer AM.
"As big as that fella is, he isn't the quickest and he isn't the most mobile and if there's one thing that David is, it is quick and he can hit double his body weight.
"When I saw him at the press conference though, I was a little more nervous! But to be honest I still think he will beat him.
"David is about 15 or 16 stone and if you get it on the chin with 15 stone, it doesn't matter how big you are, you're going to go."
Hatton himself hasn't stepped into the ring since his devastating second-round knockout by Manny Pacquiao in May, and he is yet to make up his mind about his future as a fighter.
Instead 'The Hitman' has taken his first steps on the road to becoming a top boxing promoter.
Last month his friend and sparring partner Matthew Macklin gave him his first significant champion in his new role and the Manchester City fan admitted that he didn't have the desire to fight again just yet.
"At the moment I'm just sitting back, recharging the batteries and having a bit of a break really," he said,
"As far as the actual fighting goes it is the hardest game in the world. So to get up at six in the morning and go running and go in the gym everyday you've got to want to do it and you've got to have the bit between your teeth and I don't really feel that at the minute.
"But like any fighter once you've had a rest and you start getting itchy feet I'm sure you'll come back."
"There's no time limit on it," he added. "I've likely had more fights than most British world champions over the years - I've had 47 fights now - and I'm still only 31 years of age, so I've got loads of time to come back, but I just want to have a rest at the minute."
'The Hayemaker' will go toe to toe with the giant Russian for the WBA world heavyweight title in Nuremburg on November 7, live on Sky Box Office.
The fight has been billed as 'David and Goliath', but despite Valuev's 7ft 2in frame Hatton is confident Haye will be leaving the ring as world champion.
"I think he can beat him and I've thought from the start that he will," he told Soccer AM.
"As big as that fella is, he isn't the quickest and he isn't the most mobile and if there's one thing that David is, it is quick and he can hit double his body weight.
"When I saw him at the press conference though, I was a little more nervous! But to be honest I still think he will beat him.
"David is about 15 or 16 stone and if you get it on the chin with 15 stone, it doesn't matter how big you are, you're going to go."
Hatton himself hasn't stepped into the ring since his devastating second-round knockout by Manny Pacquiao in May, and he is yet to make up his mind about his future as a fighter.
Instead 'The Hitman' has taken his first steps on the road to becoming a top boxing promoter.
Last month his friend and sparring partner Matthew Macklin gave him his first significant champion in his new role and the Manchester City fan admitted that he didn't have the desire to fight again just yet.
"At the moment I'm just sitting back, recharging the batteries and having a bit of a break really," he said,
"As far as the actual fighting goes it is the hardest game in the world. So to get up at six in the morning and go running and go in the gym everyday you've got to want to do it and you've got to have the bit between your teeth and I don't really feel that at the minute.
"But like any fighter once you've had a rest and you start getting itchy feet I'm sure you'll come back."
"There's no time limit on it," he added. "I've likely had more fights than most British world champions over the years - I've had 47 fights now - and I'm still only 31 years of age, so I've got loads of time to come back, but I just want to have a rest at the minute."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
as a top promoter I hope Ricky Hatton can establish himself
At a press conference to publicise the title fight between his brother Matthew and Lovemore N'Dou in Stoke next month, Hatton was keen to talk up the venue.
He told his conference that when he fought Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, fans kept coming up to him and asking: "When are you going to fight in Stoke?" With the delights of the Strip so close at hand, the casinos, the swimming pools, the bars, the buffets, the hotels, the sunshine, it looks rather a strange question to have put to the man who was then Britain's biggest boxoffice draw.
The promoter would never admit Hatton to this, of course, but I suspect his answer would have been something close to: "Not in your lifetime."
Monday, October 5, 2009
Ricky Hatton's shoes John Murray ready to step
John Murray emerged as British boxing's next superstar in waiting, with the potential to take over from Ricky Hatton as a Manchester legend, as he took only four rounds to stop Jon Thaxton, the former European champion, on Saturday.
Aged 24 and unbeaten in 28 bouts, Murray seems ready for the big time. Saturday's win in Altrincham enabled him to regain the British lightweight title he lost when weighing 2oz over the limit for a title defence in June.
But lesson learnt, Murray is beginning to look a complete boxer. While he now chases a world title at lightweight, in the long term a clash with another boxer from Greater Manchester, Amir Khan, the WBA light welterweight champion, becomes a mouthwatering prospect.
The similarities with Hatton, another aggressive pressure fighter, are obvious. Murray trains, under Joe Gallagher, in the same gym in Denton where Hatton worked with Billy Graham for 11 years and he even supports Manchester City. But Murray must now make the step from selling out leisure centres to filling big arenas, although the healthy crowd that watched him weigh in at the Arndale Centre in Manchester shows that he is becoming well known.
“Ricky is coming to the end of his career now, so hopefully I can be the heir apparent,” Murray said. “I'm starting to make a name for myself in Manchester and I want to build on that.”
He hunted down Thaxton, 35, in fine style, throwing hard punches from behind a high guard. Thaxton was caught flush several times by Murray before an overhand right had him backtracking to the ropes, prompting Howard Foster, the referee, to stop the bout. Thaxton and his corner protested, but the outcome looked inevitable.
“Every time I landed I seemed to rock him to his boots,” Murray said. “He's had a great career, there is no point him going out on his back.”
Gallagher, who trained Matthew Macklin to win the European middleweight title eight days earlier, called it “a punch perfect performance”.
Murray is mandatory challenger for the European title, held by Anthony Mezaache, of France, but Mick Hennessy, his promoter, could look farther afield. “He's one of the very best lightweights on the world stage now,” he said. “He could be ready for a big fight in America.”
Murray has already boxed across the Atlantic four times, twice in Las Vegas in 2007, where he fought on the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Oscar De La Hoya undercard and topped a bill the night before Mayweather Hatton.
“I've proved I'm the best in Britain,” Murray said. “I want to box again as soon as possible and I want to box for a world title within 12 months. Michael Katsidis [the interim WBO champion from Australia] has just won a title. That would be a great fight and I think I have the style to beat him.” Hatton, of course, beat an Australian [Kostya Tszyu] for his first genuine world title.
Audley Harrison hopes to challenge for the European heavyweight title after winning the Prizefighter tournament in London on Friday.
“Hopefully a door in the UK has opened again for me,” Harrison said. “There is still hope for me. I don't worry or get upset about the boos. I come from the ghettos, have been to jail, went to college, went to university, won an Olympic gold and should be celebrating that I am the boy done good.”
Meanwhile, Danny Williams, looks likely to retire after losing his Prizefighter first round bout to Carl Baker. The British heavyweight champion had his greatest moment in 2004, when he knocked out Mike Tyson in four rounds in Louisville, Kentucky. He challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title in Las Vegas in his next bout and was stopped in eight rounds.
A judge in Las Vegas has issued an arrest warrant for Roger Mayweather, the trainer and uncle of Floyd, after he failed to show up for a court appearance. He is charged with attacking a female boxer.
Aged 24 and unbeaten in 28 bouts, Murray seems ready for the big time. Saturday's win in Altrincham enabled him to regain the British lightweight title he lost when weighing 2oz over the limit for a title defence in June.
But lesson learnt, Murray is beginning to look a complete boxer. While he now chases a world title at lightweight, in the long term a clash with another boxer from Greater Manchester, Amir Khan, the WBA light welterweight champion, becomes a mouthwatering prospect.
The similarities with Hatton, another aggressive pressure fighter, are obvious. Murray trains, under Joe Gallagher, in the same gym in Denton where Hatton worked with Billy Graham for 11 years and he even supports Manchester City. But Murray must now make the step from selling out leisure centres to filling big arenas, although the healthy crowd that watched him weigh in at the Arndale Centre in Manchester shows that he is becoming well known.
“Ricky is coming to the end of his career now, so hopefully I can be the heir apparent,” Murray said. “I'm starting to make a name for myself in Manchester and I want to build on that.”
He hunted down Thaxton, 35, in fine style, throwing hard punches from behind a high guard. Thaxton was caught flush several times by Murray before an overhand right had him backtracking to the ropes, prompting Howard Foster, the referee, to stop the bout. Thaxton and his corner protested, but the outcome looked inevitable.
“Every time I landed I seemed to rock him to his boots,” Murray said. “He's had a great career, there is no point him going out on his back.”
Gallagher, who trained Matthew Macklin to win the European middleweight title eight days earlier, called it “a punch perfect performance”.
Murray is mandatory challenger for the European title, held by Anthony Mezaache, of France, but Mick Hennessy, his promoter, could look farther afield. “He's one of the very best lightweights on the world stage now,” he said. “He could be ready for a big fight in America.”
Murray has already boxed across the Atlantic four times, twice in Las Vegas in 2007, where he fought on the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Oscar De La Hoya undercard and topped a bill the night before Mayweather Hatton.
“I've proved I'm the best in Britain,” Murray said. “I want to box again as soon as possible and I want to box for a world title within 12 months. Michael Katsidis [the interim WBO champion from Australia] has just won a title. That would be a great fight and I think I have the style to beat him.” Hatton, of course, beat an Australian [Kostya Tszyu] for his first genuine world title.
Audley Harrison hopes to challenge for the European heavyweight title after winning the Prizefighter tournament in London on Friday.
“Hopefully a door in the UK has opened again for me,” Harrison said. “There is still hope for me. I don't worry or get upset about the boos. I come from the ghettos, have been to jail, went to college, went to university, won an Olympic gold and should be celebrating that I am the boy done good.”
Meanwhile, Danny Williams, looks likely to retire after losing his Prizefighter first round bout to Carl Baker. The British heavyweight champion had his greatest moment in 2004, when he knocked out Mike Tyson in four rounds in Louisville, Kentucky. He challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title in Las Vegas in his next bout and was stopped in eight rounds.
A judge in Las Vegas has issued an arrest warrant for Roger Mayweather, the trainer and uncle of Floyd, after he failed to show up for a court appearance. He is charged with attacking a female boxer.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Promoting Kevin Hammond to Ricky Hatton keen
Former world champion Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton could be set to take a opportunity on Kevin Hammond, having moved into the world of promoting following his defeat to Manny Pacquiao in May.
The 30 year old has held talks with Hammond's manager, Carl Greaves, about promoting the International Masters light middleweight champion and has already arranged for the 28 year old to spar with his brother, Matthew, ahead of the Mancunian's IBO welterweight title challenge against Lovemore N'Dou in November.
Hammond is recently tied to a five fight deal with top international promoter Frank Maloney but that deal is in doubt following Hammond's shock frustration to Jonny Musgrave, in Lincoln, in May.
"I spoke to Ricky Hatton (pictured) last week about Kevin and I am going to take Kevin along in a couple of weeks to spar with with Matthew and Ricky will take a look at him," said Greaves.
"I have got to sit down with Frank Maloney and he might be happy to release Kevin from his contract.
"The contract was signed when Kevin was with Mike Shinfield and I have not read it yet but I know the deal is assignable after a defeat.
"I think Frank was likely thinking Kev would be levels above and was actually surprised when he lost to Musgrave.
"He has got a lot of fighters on his books and we have yet to hear anything from him."
The 30 year old has held talks with Hammond's manager, Carl Greaves, about promoting the International Masters light middleweight champion and has already arranged for the 28 year old to spar with his brother, Matthew, ahead of the Mancunian's IBO welterweight title challenge against Lovemore N'Dou in November.
Hammond is recently tied to a five fight deal with top international promoter Frank Maloney but that deal is in doubt following Hammond's shock frustration to Jonny Musgrave, in Lincoln, in May.
"I spoke to Ricky Hatton (pictured) last week about Kevin and I am going to take Kevin along in a couple of weeks to spar with with Matthew and Ricky will take a look at him," said Greaves.
"I have got to sit down with Frank Maloney and he might be happy to release Kevin from his contract.
"The contract was signed when Kevin was with Mike Shinfield and I have not read it yet but I know the deal is assignable after a defeat.
"I think Frank was likely thinking Kev would be levels above and was actually surprised when he lost to Musgrave.
"He has got a lot of fighters on his books and we have yet to hear anything from him."
Friday, September 25, 2009
Ricky Hatton: Learning the nurturing game
Ricky Hatton was back in the gym this week, but don’t expect him to be announcing a comeback yet. It is nearly five months since Hatton was knocked cold by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas and while returning to the ring is the last thing on the former world light welterweight champion’s mind, he is about to take the longest step in his next career as a promoter.
Matthew Macklin faces Amin Asikainen, of Finland, for the vacant European middleweight title at Manchester Velodrome, tonight. It is a prestigious title for Hatton Promotions’ first televised show, a title formerly held by a host of the sport’s biggest names, from Marcel Cerdan through Laszlo Papp, Nino Benvenuti and Alan Minter, to Tony Sibson and Herol Graham. And the excitement is gripping Hatton.
“I don’t think anything can replace the thrill of getting in the ring, but the next best thing to being a champion is making one,” Hatton said. “Ricky Hatton without boxing in his life would be a bit of a lost man.
“I enjoy looking our prospects in the gym, watching them spar or go on the pads and passing on my experience.” Since setting up his promotional company earlier this year, Hatton has gone on a strict recruitment drive and staged small-hall shows across the country. Tonight is the first of an eight-show deal with Sky and Hatton hopes to make an impact.
“I suppose the dream would be to build a fighter to box at the City of Manchester stadium in front of 60,000,” he said. “I’m sure when Frank Warren and Golden Boy started out they dreamed of being the best and I’m no change.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things with all the promoters I have worked with, some good, some bad. The way I was brought through (by Warren) was absolutely perfect. The right fights at the right time, plenty of fights and staying busy.
“If I would have had my way, I would have fought Kostya Tszyu two years before I did. But that would have been the wrong thing to do, I wouldn’t have been ready. When I did fight him it was exactly the right time. That’s what I have to do for our young boxers, get them the right type of fights at the right time.”
At 27, Macklin believes his time is now. In March, he won the British title with an impressive three-round stoppage of Wayne Elcock and the Brummie, who sparred hundred of rounds with Hatton when they were both trained by Billy Graham, feels he is now ready to fulfil his potential after earlier disappointments.
Three years ago, Macklin challenged Jamie Moore for the British light-middleweight title but was viciously weight drained and was knocked unconscious in the tenth round after a vicious bout. Severe evaporation has been linked to serious injuries in boxing.
“I was kidding myself that I could make the weight when I had just outgrown the division,” Macklin said. “On the morning of the weigh-in I was 11st 5lb (5lb above the limit), I have no idea how I made the weight.
“At the end of the third round I was more tired than I’d ever been in my life, I fought every round like it was going to be my last. I remember being in the ambulance and having flashes of Michael Watson and Gerald McClellan.
“I will not do anything that stupid again. I am stronger at middleweight. Asikainen is rated No 6 by The Ring and has a win over Sebastian Sylvester, who just won the IBF title. If I win, Ricky thinks that fight can be made.”
As for Hatton’s own future, he has an open mind and was shown by the brilliant return of Floyd Mayweather Jr, his former opponent, that a period of inactivity is not necessarily a bad thing.
“When Floyd retired, I’m sure he meant it,” Hatton said. “For me, it’s only been four months. At the moment I don’t have the urge. You have got to want to do it. You have to have the urge to get up in the morning and do all the training and to make the weight. At the moment I don’t.
“What I need at the moment is have a rest. Maybe I will get the urge back. If I boxed again a year after the fight, you couldn’t call that a retirement. I’m just having a break.”
Matthew Macklin faces Amin Asikainen, of Finland, for the vacant European middleweight title at Manchester Velodrome, tonight. It is a prestigious title for Hatton Promotions’ first televised show, a title formerly held by a host of the sport’s biggest names, from Marcel Cerdan through Laszlo Papp, Nino Benvenuti and Alan Minter, to Tony Sibson and Herol Graham. And the excitement is gripping Hatton.
“I don’t think anything can replace the thrill of getting in the ring, but the next best thing to being a champion is making one,” Hatton said. “Ricky Hatton without boxing in his life would be a bit of a lost man.
“I enjoy looking our prospects in the gym, watching them spar or go on the pads and passing on my experience.” Since setting up his promotional company earlier this year, Hatton has gone on a strict recruitment drive and staged small-hall shows across the country. Tonight is the first of an eight-show deal with Sky and Hatton hopes to make an impact.
“I suppose the dream would be to build a fighter to box at the City of Manchester stadium in front of 60,000,” he said. “I’m sure when Frank Warren and Golden Boy started out they dreamed of being the best and I’m no change.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things with all the promoters I have worked with, some good, some bad. The way I was brought through (by Warren) was absolutely perfect. The right fights at the right time, plenty of fights and staying busy.
“If I would have had my way, I would have fought Kostya Tszyu two years before I did. But that would have been the wrong thing to do, I wouldn’t have been ready. When I did fight him it was exactly the right time. That’s what I have to do for our young boxers, get them the right type of fights at the right time.”
At 27, Macklin believes his time is now. In March, he won the British title with an impressive three-round stoppage of Wayne Elcock and the Brummie, who sparred hundred of rounds with Hatton when they were both trained by Billy Graham, feels he is now ready to fulfil his potential after earlier disappointments.
Three years ago, Macklin challenged Jamie Moore for the British light-middleweight title but was viciously weight drained and was knocked unconscious in the tenth round after a vicious bout. Severe evaporation has been linked to serious injuries in boxing.
“I was kidding myself that I could make the weight when I had just outgrown the division,” Macklin said. “On the morning of the weigh-in I was 11st 5lb (5lb above the limit), I have no idea how I made the weight.
“At the end of the third round I was more tired than I’d ever been in my life, I fought every round like it was going to be my last. I remember being in the ambulance and having flashes of Michael Watson and Gerald McClellan.
“I will not do anything that stupid again. I am stronger at middleweight. Asikainen is rated No 6 by The Ring and has a win over Sebastian Sylvester, who just won the IBF title. If I win, Ricky thinks that fight can be made.”
As for Hatton’s own future, he has an open mind and was shown by the brilliant return of Floyd Mayweather Jr, his former opponent, that a period of inactivity is not necessarily a bad thing.
“When Floyd retired, I’m sure he meant it,” Hatton said. “For me, it’s only been four months. At the moment I don’t have the urge. You have got to want to do it. You have to have the urge to get up in the morning and do all the training and to make the weight. At the moment I don’t.
“What I need at the moment is have a rest. Maybe I will get the urge back. If I boxed again a year after the fight, you couldn’t call that a retirement. I’m just having a break.”
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Matthew Macklin title fight, Ricky Hatton can have early promotion success
Bumping into Ricky Hatton at his gym last week, it's clear by his girth that he's enjoying being out of the ring.
But for all the pints of Guinness and Chinese takeaways he's putting away, the Hitman has been working hard in his new avatar as a promoter.
While some of our former world champions do little more than talk about being promoters, Hatton is prepared to put in the hours of hard graft wanted.
He has been slowly building up his stable with talents like former Olympic star Joe Murray and dreams of nurturing his own world champion.
He might have one in Matthew Macklin and the Brummie faces Finn Amin Asikainen for the vacant European middleweight title in Manchester's Velodrome on Friday.
It is Hatton's biggest gig to date and a step up from his cards at leisure centres and recreation halls.
Macklin is coming off a career best win over Wayne Elcock when they clashed for the British title and after making little headway for years, Hatton feels he is taking off.
But for all the pints of Guinness and Chinese takeaways he's putting away, the Hitman has been working hard in his new avatar as a promoter.
While some of our former world champions do little more than talk about being promoters, Hatton is prepared to put in the hours of hard graft wanted.
He has been slowly building up his stable with talents like former Olympic star Joe Murray and dreams of nurturing his own world champion.
He might have one in Matthew Macklin and the Brummie faces Finn Amin Asikainen for the vacant European middleweight title in Manchester's Velodrome on Friday.
It is Hatton's biggest gig to date and a step up from his cards at leisure centres and recreation halls.
Macklin is coming off a career best win over Wayne Elcock when they clashed for the British title and after making little headway for years, Hatton feels he is taking off.
He would be chuffed if Macklin could emulate him by becoming a world champion and says promoting is the next best thing to fighting.
"Winning yourself gives you most delight, but I've always said from day one once you've been a champion, the next best thing is to bring a champion through," said the Mancunian.
"The fact that Matthew Macklin is one of my friends, to do it with him would be absolutely sensational.
"He won the British title from Elcock and he's never looked as good. We've always thought Matthew Macklin can go further than domestic and be a champion, but his career has been on the slowburner a bit. He wants to get a move on and this is a dangerous fight for him."
Hatton, 30, will be as nervous as if he was topping the bill himself and he knows his critics are willing him to fail as a promoter.
"It's a big night for me," he said. "My first promotion on Sky Sports and a European title shot and I feel very proud of me and my team for doing that.
"Let's hope everything goes to plan and we'll be celebrating Matthew being the new European champion come the end of the night."
"Winning yourself gives you most delight, but I've always said from day one once you've been a champion, the next best thing is to bring a champion through," said the Mancunian.
"The fact that Matthew Macklin is one of my friends, to do it with him would be absolutely sensational.
"He won the British title from Elcock and he's never looked as good. We've always thought Matthew Macklin can go further than domestic and be a champion, but his career has been on the slowburner a bit. He wants to get a move on and this is a dangerous fight for him."
Hatton, 30, will be as nervous as if he was topping the bill himself and he knows his critics are willing him to fail as a promoter.
"It's a big night for me," he said. "My first promotion on Sky Sports and a European title shot and I feel very proud of me and my team for doing that.
"Let's hope everything goes to plan and we'll be celebrating Matthew being the new European champion come the end of the night."
Friday, September 4, 2009
Place on Hatton's bill, Blackwell earns
TROWBRIDGE professional boxer Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell has been selected to fight on a Ricky Hatton Promotions show to be held on Sunday, October 4 at the Marriot Hotel in Bristol.
The 18 year old, who opponent is yet to be compulsive, who trains under Mark Kent at the Compitition Gym in Trowbridge, has been sparring with Masters and Western Area Champion Danny Butler, who is in training for an English Title shot against Darren McDermott on the 25th September in Manchester.
“Now and again someone special comes along and Nick Blackwell is the one,” said Kent.
“I have no uncertainty in my mind that this lad will take a British Title in two years and then his sights will be set on a world title.”
Blackwell, and fellow local pro Liam Richards, will be in action at Trowbridge Civic Hall on Friday, September 11. Bradford’s Gareth Heard will also be debuting.
The 18 year old, who opponent is yet to be compulsive, who trains under Mark Kent at the Compitition Gym in Trowbridge, has been sparring with Masters and Western Area Champion Danny Butler, who is in training for an English Title shot against Darren McDermott on the 25th September in Manchester.
“Now and again someone special comes along and Nick Blackwell is the one,” said Kent.
“I have no uncertainty in my mind that this lad will take a British Title in two years and then his sights will be set on a world title.”
Blackwell, and fellow local pro Liam Richards, will be in action at Trowbridge Civic Hall on Friday, September 11. Bradford’s Gareth Heard will also be debuting.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Muhammad Ali his wheelchair to meet Ricky Hatton
Muhammad Ali proved he can still float like a butterfly when he visited Ricky Hatton's gym yesterday.Despite being virtually confined to a wheelchair because of Parkinson's Disease, the Greatest affirmed on getting to his feet to meet Hatton at the Hitman's impressive new base in Hyde.Hatton was abashed by Ali's gesture and caressed his hero before showing him around his state-of-the art gym."I think he was going to come in a wheelchair initially," said the former light welterweight king."Then he said: 'I can't have Ricky Hatton meeting me in a wheelchair. I've got to walk in'."That's a boxer through and through. That's a boxer's mentality and that's a champion's mentality.
"Hatton, 30, presented Ali with a cake iced on top with the initials 'GOAT', which position for 'Greatest Of All Time', once they were inside his gym.It was his way of paying tribute to someone he cares as not just the wonderful fighter of all time, but one of the greatest people of all time.Hatton was blown away by meeting Ali and posed for footage outside his gym with the three time former world heavyweight champ."This is certainly sensational," said the Mancunian."I've been advantageous to meet some of the greatest stars of boxing during my career, but I'd never had the chance to meet the greatest of all."He's not just the greatest boxer of all time, he's one of the greatest men of all time."Even youngsters know Muhammad Ali. And I think his price of the gab has made the entertainment side of boxing what it is today."The 67-year old ring story was greeted by chants of "Ali, Ali" when he appeared at Hatton's gym and he is touring the British Isles to raise funds for his charity foundation, the Muhammad Ali Centre, in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky.Last night he was appearing at a £1,000-a-plate dinner in his honour at Old Trafford, frequented by some Manchester United players.And Ali has other fundraising events lined up, including one at Stoke's Britannia Stadium during what is wonted to be his final visit to Britain. He is also due to meet old opponant Sir Henry Cooper in the unlikely surroundings of Windsor Castle at the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships 2009. He then flies to Ireland next week.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ricky Hatton - A Life Story
The official life story of Britain's favourite Boxer, the undefeated world champion, Ricky The Hit Man Hatton. Ricky Hatton - A Life Story documents his fascinating rise to the top, from his first ever amateur fights through to his latest World Title defence in Las Vegas. As one of Britain's most popular sporting heroes, The Hitman, who recently received an MBE, is unbeaten in 43 professional fights, a champion in two weight divisions and is commonly perceived as one of the all time greatest boxers Britain has ever produced. With exclusive...Click here for more information and buy DVD of Ricky Hatton - A Life Story
Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao: Manny and Ricky wants it
Nov 24, 2008
Manny Pacquiao said he would love to fight Ricky Hatton in Britain. “I want to come to the UK because I've never been there, I want to see the place,” Pacquiao, who has been training with the rising British boxing talent Amir Khan in Hollywood, said. “I'd like to fight in front of a big crowd. I know it would be a great, great fight if it were to happen. I'm very comfortable at 140lb so I would be OK to fight Ricky.”
“When I was told I would be fighting on December 6, I was originally told I would be fighting Ricky,” Pacquiao said. “But now it's Oscar. I wasn't disappointed because I know I have a lot of time to have that fight.”
Meanwhile, Hatton is awaiting the result of the Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya bout, and said he would love to fight whoever the winner of the fight.
"I think it would be a very interesting fight," said the former heavyweight champion, the British Lennox Lewis said. "They have to agree on what weight they want to come in at, but obviously the fans would love to see a fight like that."
Mayweather Sr., Hatton's Trainer, concurs, saying would love to see the fight come true: "There's no question about it, 'Pacman' is the pefect match for Ricky, I'd love to see that fight. But I don't see Pacquiao beating Oscar."
Nov 24, 2008
Manny Pacquiao said he would love to fight Ricky Hatton in Britain. “I want to come to the UK because I've never been there, I want to see the place,” Pacquiao, who has been training with the rising British boxing talent Amir Khan in Hollywood, said. “I'd like to fight in front of a big crowd. I know it would be a great, great fight if it were to happen. I'm very comfortable at 140lb so I would be OK to fight Ricky.”
“When I was told I would be fighting on December 6, I was originally told I would be fighting Ricky,” Pacquiao said. “But now it's Oscar. I wasn't disappointed because I know I have a lot of time to have that fight.”
Meanwhile, Hatton is awaiting the result of the Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya bout, and said he would love to fight whoever the winner of the fight.
"I think it would be a very interesting fight," said the former heavyweight champion, the British Lennox Lewis said. "They have to agree on what weight they want to come in at, but obviously the fans would love to see a fight like that."
Mayweather Sr., Hatton's Trainer, concurs, saying would love to see the fight come true: "There's no question about it, 'Pacman' is the pefect match for Ricky, I'd love to see that fight. But I don't see Pacquiao beating Oscar."
Ricky Hatton - Ranking and Stats
Ricky Hatton bounced back from a stoppage defeat to pound4pound king Floyd Mayweather jnr last December with a clear but tough unanimous points win over Juan Lazcano. In beating the Mexican warrior in front of 56,000 hometown fans Hatton proved he is still a p4p top 10 fighter but maybe a fighter in decline. Nevertheless we will find out exactly what the ’Hitman’ has left when he faces IBF junior-welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on November 22.
Ricky Hatton - Amateur Career
1997 World Junior Bronze Medalist
1997 ABA Light- Welterweight Champion
Twice NABC Champion
Twice Junior ABA Champion
Golden Gloves Champion
Senior ABC Champion
Information Source: Fans Website of Ricky Hatton
1997 ABA Light- Welterweight Champion
Twice NABC Champion
Twice Junior ABA Champion
Golden Gloves Champion
Senior ABC Champion
Information Source: Fans Website of Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton's Professional Career
Current Ring Magazine Light-Welterweight Champion.
The Former Undefeated IBF & WBA Light-Welterweight Champion.
The Former WBO & WBA Intercontinental Light-Welterweight Champion.
The Former Undefeated British Light-Welterweight Champion.
The Former Undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion.
Ricky Hatton
Richard John Hatton MBE, more commonly known as Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, (born 6 October 1978, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England), is a British professional boxer is a two-time IBF and IBO light welterweight champion, having relinquished the IBF belt, only to step back down to the weight class and beat Juan Urango.
He was the WBA Welterweight Champion, but relinquished this title on 31 August 2006.[3] Hatton is also the former WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion and WBC, WBA, WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion, and current Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion.
He was the WBA Welterweight Champion, but relinquished this title on 31 August 2006.[3] Hatton is also the former WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion and WBC, WBA, WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion, and current Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion.
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