Exclusive interview with allegedly

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 02 Jul 2004, 15:07

Reveals the likely Hatton opponent and more....

Find it at ibopboxing.com shortly.

Lefthookhappy19 · Post by **Lefthookhappy19** » 02 Jul 2004, 15:38

We all know its Spadafora he's gonna fight anyway. Despite Hatton going to be rated as the WBA no.1 contender. Who cares about the Spadafora fight, its worthless. The Harris fight can be made for certain now, but isn't going to be made. Its a real title, Franks small time and Ricky will keep his WBU belt and probably go the lesser WBO route. Then we'll get endless defenses against nobodys just like Joe Calzaghe.

mrbassie · Post by **mrbassie** » 02 Jul 2004, 20:15

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 02 Jul 2004, 20:31

Good interview, a really coup. FW came across well and your closing paragraphed summed up my conclusions. Frank seems very passionate about the game and I was pleased that he was dissapointed at the BBC pull out. Some of the stuff was very informative (i.e. Sky not being interested in Witter vs Hatton).

Lets hope Harrison vs Skelton comes off.

David, if you get the chance again I wouldn't mind finding out if there are plans for Ricky to fight twice again in 2004 - Sparaforda followed by Harris would be great and would also answer his critics (as he said 2004 would be the year Ricky explodes onto the world scene).

Sounded quite promising for Nelson vs Haye.

Also, I think Vanzie vs Earl 3 should be demanded as should be Vincent vs Barnes 2 (mention that fight if you have another chance). Good correction on Vanzies' brother aswell.

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 03 Jul 2004, 05:07

Stu Jones,

Thanks for the kind words - the strange thing is I could hav conducted an entire interview on ANY of the points i raised but I was conscious of out-staying my welcome though to be fair Frank was very forthcoming.

In retrospect I should have asked about the contingencies if Spadafora pulls out because of his legal problems and of course, some heads up on who and in what division JC may fight next, but I'll take what I got.

I'm sure I'll try and set something up again in the future but by then I'm sure the stories will be different.

I spoke to Bobby Vanzie yesterday - he's still pretty down about the whole picture right now. But he'll be back soon, fresher and bigger than ever.

You cant keep a good man down.

Slapsie Maxie · Post by **Slapsie Maxie** » 03 Jul 2004, 07:34

An excellent interview. It is good to hear some of FW's views first hand and not just as knee jerk reaction to ringside prodding

The situantion remains, however, that FW does not provide quality bills anymore and ( and I am an example of this ) that there are punters who previously had been willing to shell out money for seats who will now not. There is a lack of confidence that the announced fights/opponets will happen.

Good work on the intervoew though

S

ArtOfWar · Post by **ArtOfWar** » 03 Jul 2004, 10:17

That whole Sky not being interested in Junior Witter is bullshit, because they didn't mind Aldo Rios or Carlos Vilches. Those muppets at Sky don't know what their doing, it's FW who makes all the decisions and it's him who's not interested in Witter.

If Sky didn't want the Witter fight, why would they want all those other crappy shows FW put's on?

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 03 Jul 2004, 18:30

Good interview Dave. So Warren opts for a feather fisted lightweight as Hatton's next BIG opponent - quel surprise!! Give him an inch, he'll take a mile.
I notice he has NO excuses when it comes to ducking the logical match - Vivian Harris. The guy's willing to come to Manchester with a real title.
TV wants the match, Hatton wants the match, the fans want the match....

What do we get? Spaddy boy. Hatton has become the most protected high profile white fighter since Gerry Cooney.

All this confirms FW doesn't give a toss when it comes to the fans. Hatton should ditch SN now, before it's too late.

He'll pound Spaddy, then it'll be another Argie, then another top ten lightweight etc etc..

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 03 Jul 2004, 18:35

To be honest, given Hatton's new WBA ranking I would fight Sparaforda now - its a decent match up and when Harries is forced to face Hatton (which I think will be quite soon) if it goes to purse bids, Harris might be alot cheaper than the figures he is demanding now.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 03 Jul 2004, 18:39

stujones wrote: when Harries is forced to face Hatton

It's the other way round Stu. Harris has been calling out Hatton for over a year now. Warren is ducking a major title fight for Ricky - just liked they ducked out of a WBO shot too. Says it all really.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 03 Jul 2004, 18:49

MightyWarrior wrote:
stujones wrote: when Harries is forced to face Hatton
It's the other way round Stu. Harris has been calling out Hatton for over a year now. Warren is ducking a major title fight for Ricky - just liked they ducked out of a WBO shot too. Says it all really.

That is true, but surely with purse bids likely there can no financial excuse.

Lefthookhappy19 · Post by **Lefthookhappy19** » 03 Jul 2004, 20:14

Cotto is going to fight Harris for his title if he beats Pinto. Cotto's promoters will make the fight happen easily. Its next or never. Ricky sure as hell won't fight Cotto for the belt if he beats Harris. This is the perfect and only time-frame for a Hatton/Harris fight while he still has the belt, any later and Cotto will get the fight instead. Guaranteed.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 04 Jul 2004, 07:22

I'm sure ole Frank is really crying himself to sleep everynight over the BBC's decision to dump boxing again!.
The Spadadora fight will never come off because the guy will most likey be in prison by that time or spending so long in court he's hardly going to be in top shape!..... can't beleive how many people are still falling for this line!!!. Frankie's probably already got the Lightweight lined upo who will step in when Spad surprisingly has to pull out of the fight!..... 8)
FW treats boxing fans like brainless scum!.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 08 Jul 2004, 08:17

8)