ricky hatton: boxing's dying

[The Mask]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...._boxings_dying

RICKY Hatton has launched a stinging attack on the state of boxing - claiming it risks being overtaken by Ultimate Fighting if it doesn't get its act together.

The Hitman believes boxing is becoming a real turn-off for fans, sick of seeing politics get in the way of big fights.

Hatton is furious that his brother, Matthew, saw a high profile clash with former undisputed welterweight champion, Zab Judah, collapse for a second time this week.

Judah made a last-minute stipulation for the bout to take place at 10st 3lbs, which effectively ruled out Matthew, who fights at 10st 7lbs.

And Hatton, who is now a promoter, believes it is typical of the state of the sport.

"I look at boxing from a different angle now and it is dying a death compared to the fashionable Ultimate Fighting Challenge," he said.

"Matthew was taking all the risks. He was prepared to go out to Las Vegas to fight in Zab Judah's backyard.

Champion

"He was fighting against a former undisputed champion - at a level much higher than he'd ever fought. He was taking all the chances and then they say they want to fight at 10st 3lbs.

"They knew Matthew was 10st 7lbs when they made the fight. There is no way he could drop four pounds.

"It's no wonder boxing is dying. Boxing is now full of people who talk the talk, but don't back it up. If you go to UFC you are seeing proper fights."

Matthew is now set to fight Lovemore N'Dou for the IBO welterweight title, but a clash with Judah on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jnr's bout with Miguel Cotto was seen as a chance to break into America.

Former two-weight champion Hatton is still deciding on his future after being knocked out by pound-for-pound No 1 Manny Pacquiao in May.

And while he is an avid follower of UFC, he insists he has no intention of switching sports.

“I’m a fan of UFC because it is all action, proper fighting,” he said. “They are going the right way 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. UFC would be right up my street but I think I will stick to boxing.

“I used to kick box so maybe I would be all right but boxing is brutal enough for me.”

Hatton Promotions next show takes place at the Manchester Velodrome on August 21 when David Barnes, Craig Watson and Joe Murray will all be in action. For tickets call: 0161 775 7500 or 0844 556 5656.

MANCHESTER’S first ever British heavyweight champion Mike Holden is set to return to the ring. The 41-year-old has joined up with trainer Joe Gallagher in a bid to reclaim the title he held in 2001.

Gallagher said: “The British scene is wide open right now EEveryone knows heavyweights don’t peak until their late 30s.”


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what do you think? really it must only be a matter of time now before MMA is the number 1 fighting sport. interesting to see even boxers are accepting the fact now too. i suppose the danger is that as MMA gets more popular you might get more federations and then we'll be back to square one. having ufc as the dominant force works well for me.