Gianluca Branco fights Arturo Gatti for the vacant WBC light-welterweight title in January, with the winner ordered to defend against the winner of a mooted Ricky Hatton-Oktay Urkal final eliminator. Tonight, Gianluca's elder brother, Silvio, stopped Mehdi Sahnoune in the 11th round in France for the WBA light-heavyweight title. Not bad for a 37-year-old.
We shouldn't overlook the younger Branco in the forthcoming light-welter mix either. He could beat the exciting but rather shopworn Gatti.
Branco wins world title
-
MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13262
- Joined: 23 Jan 2003, 14:01
If warren snubs the WBC offer he's running out of options, assuming he really does want to land Hatton a major title.
The WBO route seems off limits too.
Vivian Harris is more than happy to accomodate though, he's always calling out Hatton, I love to see that one.
Looks like Zab has an opponent on big December King bill. Not sure if he's kept the WBO belt or not, as there's no way he'll fight Witter again.
Also Tua has dropped out & we're getting Rahman v Ruiz now.
The WBO route seems off limits too.
Vivian Harris is more than happy to accomodate though, he's always calling out Hatton, I love to see that one.
Looks like Zab has an opponent on big December King bill. Not sure if he's kept the WBO belt or not, as there's no way he'll fight Witter again.
Also Tua has dropped out & we're getting Rahman v Ruiz now.
Hmm all interesting stuff, Branco was the guy who upset Robin Reid a few years back but he did well in stopping the previously unbeaten Mehdi Sahnoune in 11. His career looked over as he was decisioned by Stipe Drews but he has come back well at 37.
I fancy Ginaluca Branco may even cause an upset against Gatti, it is a good test for Hatton against either Urkal or Branco more so than the upcoming clash with Weiss anyway. I would avoid Harris though if i was Ricky.
I fancy Ginaluca Branco may even cause an upset against Gatti, it is a good test for Hatton against either Urkal or Branco more so than the upcoming clash with Weiss anyway. I would avoid Harris though if i was Ricky.
From what I have heard though, Silvio is the better Branco brother.
It all looks promising for Hatton at this moment. Weiss, Urkal, Branco, Gatti - I don't care - Bring them on!!!
I disagree with the majority of posters, having watched (and been an admirer) of Gatti from the days he faught Tracy Harris Patterson I have to say he's in the form of his life. His hand speed is electric. He's been in many wars, but at this moment he looks good.
Would love to see Gatti vs Tszyu. I will be going for the upset win. Gatti vs Hatton would be a one-sided Gatti victory. He's just two quick for the Manchester lad.
It all looks promising for Hatton at this moment. Weiss, Urkal, Branco, Gatti - I don't care - Bring them on!!!
I disagree with the majority of posters, having watched (and been an admirer) of Gatti from the days he faught Tracy Harris Patterson I have to say he's in the form of his life. His hand speed is electric. He's been in many wars, but at this moment he looks good.
Would love to see Gatti vs Tszyu. I will be going for the upset win. Gatti vs Hatton would be a one-sided Gatti victory. He's just two quick for the Manchester lad.
I'm still cautious of labelling Gatti a cert to beat the likes of Hatton. Until I see Gatti perform like he did against Ward but in with a genuine top 5/10 fighter then I will remain so.
Let's not forget, Micky Ward isn't exactly the quickest guy around and was a bit long in the tooth AND still beat Gatti the once.
I'm not saying Gatti isn't very good but I'm just saying he still has a bit more to prove to me at Light-Welterweight.
Look at when he stepped in with the very elite against De La Hoya, I know it was at Welterweight but he got a thrashing.
Let's not forget, Micky Ward isn't exactly the quickest guy around and was a bit long in the tooth AND still beat Gatti the once.
I'm not saying Gatti isn't very good but I'm just saying he still has a bit more to prove to me at Light-Welterweight.
Look at when he stepped in with the very elite against De La Hoya, I know it was at Welterweight but he got a thrashing.