From BBC website:
Ricky Hatton has vacated his IBF light welterweight belt in order to fight Mexican Jose Luis Castillo in June.
The IBF wanted the 28-year-old Briton to face a mandatory challenge from Lovemore N'dou but Hatton has opted to meet Castillo in a mouth-watering bout.
Promoter Dennis Hobson said the fight with Castillo was "one of the biggest and most exciting fights in years".
He added: "It is the biggest fight of Ricky's career. We will learn who is the ultimate warrior at light welter."
Manchester's Hatton originally won the IBF title against Kostya Tszyu in 2005 before dropping it to move up to welterweight.
A fight with N'Dou would have been a hard sell to HBO and the American fight fans
Promoter Dennis Hobson
He reclaimed it by out-pointing Juan Urango in Las Vegas on 20 January.
Hobson said Hatton's camp was open to offers regarding a clash with N'Dou but claims the Australia-based fighter's team were not forthcoming.
"We could have done business and reached an agreement," said Hobson.
"We had all week and I'd already spoken to my broadcast partners about working something out. I had a venue in mind and had spoken to them, too.
"Being totally honest, a fight with N'Dou would have been a hard sell to HBO and the American fight fans but I was prepared to explore the possibility.
"Unfortunately, N'Dou's people weren't exactly ringing my phone off the hook trying to make something happen."
Hatton gives up belt.
-
Max Molyneux
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7084
- Joined: 16 Aug 2004, 16:53
There was no point to the Urango fight... just as there wasnt a point to fighting Collazo and Maussa!... and all the while Wickys been ducking one of the most meaningful fights out there, namely Witter!... why doesnt the guy want to prove himself the best in Britain, never mind the world!. As for Hatton vs Castillo being a 'super fight' those calling it that are deluded... it'll be a fair scrap between two guys past their best, one shopworn the other barworn...nickd wrote:So what the hell was the point of fighting Urango then? Hatton's post Tszyu career is a bit of a farce. Lets hope he can pull it out of the bag against Castillo. I certanly wouldn't bank on that given this weekends result Hatton looks to be a little overrated IMO.
Well, if these Ring rankings are really going to take off, there should be a demand for Hatton-Witter, as to me they're clearly #1 and #2 in a new era. But yes, we have to keep this on hold because what if Witter loses to Harris? If #1 doesn't fight #2, strip the bugger.
That's what should happen with Mayweather if he doesn't put his 147 title on the line within say the next 12 months.
That's what should happen with Mayweather if he doesn't put his 147 title on the line within say the next 12 months.
The Rings rankings have Hatton as Champion, and Castillo number 1, Witter number 2. Make of that what you will. Personally, I think Castillo is too high, seeing as he's only just officially stepped up to 140, but by their criteria, Hatton is fighting the best available challenger. Now, if Hatton can get past Castillo, and Witter can beat Harris (hopefully impressively) then demand for Hatton-Witter will be too great to ignore (and not just in Britain, perhaps)..... won't it?viciousmaussa wrote:Well, if these Ring rankings are really going to take off, there should be a demand for Hatton-Witter, as to me they're clearly #1 and #2 in a new era. But yes, we have to keep this on hold because what if Witter loses to Harris? If #1 doesn't fight #2, strip the bugger.
That's what should happen with Mayweather if he doesn't put his 147 title on the line within say the next 12 months.
-
Max Molyneux
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7084
- Joined: 16 Aug 2004, 16:53
The Ring don't strip fighters.viciousmaussa wrote:Well, if these Ring rankings are really going to take off, there should be a demand for Hatton-Witter, as to me they're clearly #1 and #2 in a new era. But yes, we have to keep this on hold because what if Witter loses to Harris? If #1 doesn't fight #2, strip the bugger.
That's what should happen with Mayweather if he doesn't put his 147 title on the line within say the next 12 months.
steve689 wrote:Is it me or are the IBF strip happy? They are content to consistently remove credible champions and sanction "world title" fights between guys who are barely contenders.
It begs the question...are the big four really any more credible than the rest of the alphabet scum?
The Ibf stripped him because he's refusing too fight there number one its simple has that, Wether or not Ndou is a worthy nuber one don't matter fact is he is number one and he wants a crack at the title.
Hatton had no intention of fighting Ndou but he still wanted the belt if he would off give it up Ndou -- Rabah would off been for the belt.Regarding there comments about speaking too Ndou's people that sounds strange Ndou DON'T have people he is SELF MANAGED.
I am a huge Hatton fan and I never ever liked the idea of Hatton fightin Witter but now I've changed my mind!!There was no point in fightin Urango, Collazo, Maussa and even if ppl say that there was, he certainly hasnt impressed durin dis time!!!!!nickd wrote:So what the hell was the point of fighting Urango then? Hatton's post Tszyu career is a bit of a farce. Lets hope he can pull it out of the bag against Castillo. I certanly wouldn't bank on that given this weekends result Hatton looks to be a little overrated IMO.
He needs 2 fight Witter!!!!! :)