BoxRec

Fightnews.com

One of the most interesting jr. welterweight match ups of the year is hanging by a thread. WBA champ ‘Vicious' Vivian Harris (24-1-1; 16 KO's) was scheduled to fight England's beloved Ricky ‘The Hitman' Hatton (36-0; 26 KO's) on October 2nd in Manchester, England. Showtime expressed an interest in televising the event... then they weren't.

Hatton's promoter allegedly originally made Harris and offer of $750,000, then slashed the amount by 25% when Showtime dollars were no longer available. That move prompted Harris to contact Fightnews to sound off and announce that Emanuel Steward was now Harris' manager and trainer, and that negotiations were in progress for the fight to the fight to take place in Detroit, Michigan during the Fall.

Harris' comments induced Warren to reach into his own pocket to offer the champ the full $750,000, and issue a ‘take it or leave it' Monday deadline.

On Monday, Harris turned Warren's offer down, then told Fightnews why.

allegedly has stated that you turned down.....
You damn right I turned it down! allegedly didn't tell the whole story! When I found out how much Ricky Hatton was making, I had no choice BUT to turn it down! They offered me $750,000. YET, Hatton was going to get over ONE MILLION DOLLARS! On TOP of that, Hatton is getting money from SkyTV, AND he's getting money from the gate! I'm not getting any SkyTV or gate money! This whole thing ain't right! Who's the challenger here... me or Hatton?! Look, I have no problem going over to England to fight. I would love to beat Ricky in his hometown. But... at the end of the day, I would end up with less money than Hatton and Warren. And, I'm the champion! After my promoter (Main Events) takes their 30% cut ($225,000) and I pay my manager, trainer and pay taxes and all that... I only end up with $100,000 or $200,000. EVERYONE IS MAKING MORE MONEY THAN ME! This sh*t ain't right! In fact, there's the chance that I might not even come home with my title! They love Hatton so bad over in Manchester... I could get robbed!

Main Events would have taken 30%?
Yeah! They've got me fighting outside the country and on other people's promotion! AND, I still have to give them 30% of my purse. They should be promoting me like they do (Francisco) Bojado and those other guys. But, I blame myself for signing that bull sh*t contract with them when I came to America. You know, every time Bojado fights, Main Events has him on HBO or Showtime. And, he's not even a champion! What about me? Why do I have to go to Europe to defend my title in a non-televised fight? This whole thing ain't right! But all that is gonna change. I have a new team, with Emanuel Steward looking out for my best interest.

And, you know what? Besides Main Events taking 30% of my purse, I'm suppose to pay for all the legal fees for the fight! I have to pay for all the lawyer fees... for all the paperwork and contracts that they write up. What the f**k am I giving Main Events 30% of my purse for? I'm out here training and working hard so that I can take care of my family. I'm not suppose to be taking care of their family too!

Ricky Hat....
He's been fighting HAND PICKED opponents for his entire career! And he calls ME a clown?! Well, he's a spoiled brat! He's fighting washed up opponents and he can't even knock them out! If he's suppose to have so much punching power, why didn't he knock out (Carlos) Vilches, Ben Tackie or (Vince) Phillips? Since I won my championship, I've been fighting only once a year...because of the sh*tty way I've been promoted. But, those fights have been against top contenders... outside of New York and out of the country AND off-TV. Hatton fights every 3 months and STILL continues to fight hand picked opponents. And he STILL hasn't come to America to take a serious fight. HE's the clown.

Showtime...
Listen. I found out that allegedly didn't give Showtime the paperwork for me and Hatton. So, Showtime went with a Wladimir Klitschko fight instead. allegedly bullsh*tted with Showtime and they didn't know if the fight was definite or not, so they moved on. This was all a game to allegedly... just to protect Ricky Hatton. But, no one ever protected me! No one ever gave me hand picked opponents! No one ever held my hand throughout my career. I FOUGHT to get where I am. Ricky would NEVER come to New York to fight me or anyone else off TV... like I did against Oktay Urkal in Germany. AND... I still stand by what I say: I will knock Ricky Hatton OUT!

You have said that Manny is working to bring the fight to Detroit. Is he still working on that?
Yes, we're still working on that. Look, we really want this fight! In fact, I have no plans to fight anyone other than Ricky Hatton. That's how bad I want this guy. But, I refuse to go to England and make LESS MONEY than him. I don't care how many people he draws in Manchester because he doesn't draw anyone here in America! If he's suppose to be a tough fighter and a great fighter, he has to come to America. Great fighters take fights outside their own country, and I have done that. I'm a great fighter... but I'm not stupid! Slave days are over. I'm not gonna be treated like a slave. I'm the champion and I should be treated and PAID like one. If he wants my title, let him come here and take it.

What if Hatton chooses not to fight you in the U.S.?
Manny is going to make him an offer to come to America. If he doesn't accept the offer, then I'm gonna make sure that the fight will go to a purse bid. If the fight goes to a purse bid, and I end up getting less money, at least I know I'll be getting more than him and it will be FAIR! I worked hard to fight my way in becoming a champion and I should be getting 75% and he 25%. In Manchester, I'd be getting 20% and he'd get 80%! That ain't right! There is no rule in boxing that says your purse is set by the amount of fans you draw! The rule says that a CHAMPION should get treated fairly and get the bigger slice of the pie. Everyone is writing and saying that I will be Ricky's toughest challenge. Even Ricky has said it! But, I'm getting treated like a challenger and a slave! If the fight does go to a purse bid, I'm not going to embarrass or insult Ricky by giving him 25%. I will give him 40%... just to encourage him to come here and fight.

Any final words?
Yeah. All of this sh*t that I'm going through right now is what's wrong with boxing. This is exactly why fighters go broke. People think...‘wow, Vivian turned down $750,000!' But I'm not getting that! And, I'm not getting SkyTV money or a portion of the gate. When the day is over, I would only get $100,000 to $200,000. This ain't right. Someone needs to look into to this.

what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

I always knew that Mr.Warren is the best promoter on earth.

J wrote:what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

he is just a proud man.... i understand what he is saying

hatton should just bite the bullet, take a cut so the money is split 50-50.

J wrote:what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

didn't u read? he'd only get 100-200 thousand. Insulting.

lirva33 wrote:

J wrote:what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

didn't u read? he'd only get 100-200 thousand. Insulting.

he can take that up with his promoters. So that's well over 500,000 they are taking from him then? bullshit.

Its dollars not pounds as well.

What Rickys problem with taking even or less than the champion Harris? If he was really hungry for to fight a real fighter for a real belt then he would take less or split the money 50-50 which Harris is willing to do.

Why is Harris being called the villian here? He merely wants a fair deal, he's putting his belt on the line overseas in a fight against a big hometown favourite, thats about as risky as it gets. Harris has been done no favours like Ricky, he left his home country as a teenager and came to America to fulfil his talent. He traveled to Germany in his last fight and risked his belt which he worked damn hard for against a very good fighter in Urkal.

Ricky Hatton and allegedly are the villians here, not Vivian Harris. Frank releasing these statements calling Viv a coward is completley classless and seems to be typical of the man as he shows regularly in his newspaper column. I knew something was up and was just waiting for Vivians side of the story.

Go back to fighting nobodys Ricky, you obviosly don't have the balls to step up to the plate and fight a real fighter. Big fish in a small pond, just like Joe Calzaghe. Just watch Cotto fight Harris now for the title after he wins his next fight. Ricky will no doubt fight another South American and badmouth Harris like he's the one in the wrong.

adamiw wrote:

lirva33 wrote:

J wrote:what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

didn't u read? he'd only get 100-200 thousand. Insulting.

he can take that up with his promoters. So that's well over 500,000 they are taking from him then? bullshit.

they are not taking that much mate i would imagine he gets taxed over 40 per cent on his earnings so thats 300 grand before you start.

This is the catch 22 situation that Warren has created with the likes of Hatton/Calzaghe. Would you give up home advantage/money e.t.c for more risk?

We might say yes because we are romantic boxing fans but in reality only the most unrealistic of us could honestly say no or non as they say in France and other previously French occupied countries.

Someone has to bite the bullet...

of course. i read a person who won 1 million on who wants to be a millionnaire. he said they took 400 000 out of his cheque (40%)

Real Deal - not in the Uk you don't. Game show winnings are tax free.

I cannot see Hatton getting £1,000,000 plus SKY money plus gate cash..that sounds like bullshit to me.

Well Ricky has been reported as getting something like 250'000 - 400'000 for fights against mystery South Americans so its not inconcevable that for a big world title fight he could be getting a lot more. I don't see what the problem with going even 50-50 is, which Harris is willing to do. Its not like Ricky is short of cash, he's been making damn good money for a while now against lesser fighters. The payoff for Ricky would be massive if he became a legit world title holder. He would probably start fighting on PPV and would gain lots of credibility around the world which he says he wants.

I think Ricky and his team don't think Ricky is going to beat Harris and they are running scared. If a fighter really craved the recognition that Ricky says he wants then he would get this fight made at all costs and would be willing for just this one defining fight to take a pay cut.

steve689 wrote:I cannot see Hatton getting £1,000,000 plus SKY money plus gate cash..that sounds like bullshit to me.

I think Harris is talking in dolla's not pounds.

Ricky Hatton and allegedly are in for the money, thats it. Warren cannot beleive Hatton has what it takes at top level if he keeps protecting his fighter like this.

I beleive Hatton should be more concerned with getting the Championship than the money, im sure he is already rich enough.

No way Hatton should make so much money, I mean look at Danny Williams, he took way less to fight Tyson, he took a chance because he beleived in his ability and that it would lead to future big fights, Hatton doesnt seem to have the same self belief or else he would agree to fight wherever for whatever amount.

mikewl wrote:Ricky Hatton and allegedly are in for the money, thats it. Warren cannot beleive Hatton has what it takes at top level if he keeps protecting his fighter like this.

I beleive Hatton should be more concerned with getting the Championship than the money, im sure he is already rich enough.

No way Hatton should make so much money, I mean look at Danny Williams, he took way less to fight Tyson, he took a chance because he beleived in his ability and that it would lead to future big fights, Hatton doesnt seem to have the same self belief or else he would agree to fight wherever for whatever amount.

Exactly, think how many opportunitys are going to be their for Danny Williams after his big win. Its a very real possiblity he's going to get a title shot now or at least be in the mix. Ricky is spoilt, big time. He lacks hunger and has gotten comfortable, he should not be mentioned in the same breath as the top guys in this division anymore.

Loynesy wrote:Real Deal - not in the Uk you don't. Game show winnings are tax free.

drrrrr i know that.

I've said it on here before, what do you do when you don't want to fight someone . START MONEY PROBLEMS.

Don't pay enough,
Take more than them .
Make them sell tickets.

The list of ways to do it is endless the result is always the same , and once again we get to see why allegedly is highly succesful, cos he's so good at it, He did'nt want the fight, and despite his rantings neither does cry baby Hatton cos if they did they would go 50-50 and be done with it

Once its a fair split then Harris has no complaints

I agree with Harris, he should be getting 50% AT LEAST. Hatton should take a hit he has been earning championship money when in the most part he has been fighting punching bags.

J wrote:what a bitter freak.
the fact he was stupid enough to sing a crap contract with crap promoters is his problem,not hattons or SN's, I ask myself whats better 3quarters of a mill or eff all.
How many tickets does he sell and where else is he gonna get a pyday like that, quite simply put, he wont.
Seems to me he is a grade A cock end.

That's harsh.
If he's getting as little as £75k for trip abroad to risk his title, why do it?
There's no Kudos in beating the WBU champ, no money either by the sounds of it. Hatton wouldn't do it for 5 times that amount of money.

Warren & Hatton are a bit unlucky here in that they are dealing with someone who's clearly had a promotional and contractual awakening. He seems to be in some sort of transitional phase in the way he is prepared to control his career and the outcome for Frankie is not good.

The next fight Warren makes for Hatton will be one of his most challenging of recent times I reckon.

Harris is complaining that he should be paid more than Hatton, as he is the champion. In theory this should be right, however this just isn't the case. Just ask him how much Felix Sturm got paid when he was champion and fought Oscar. Look at how much DLH will get compared to Hopkins when they fight.

Harris isn't a draw at all, he's signed a shite contract; and he's been offered the largest payday of his career. He should get on with it and fight.

God this is all so tedious, the fight takes place outside of the ring.

A few points though

1 Is Harris merely waiting until his contract with Main Events expires, so that Stewart can renegotiate on his behalf?

2 Surely Hatton could lower his demands if he really wanted this fight?


3 Is that contract with Main events really the case, I wish I knew more about how 'standard' contracts are, I am going to see if I can find out, because it might just all be bollocks from Vivian.

I can understand Vivian's point though, he's the one taking the risk, not Hatton, and if the money is as short as he says, then I don't blame him for not travelling.

Well this joker has been calling out Hatton for around two years now - "I'll fight him in his own backyard, he's a coward, no-one wants to fight me.. etc etc"

So Warren calls his bluff, meets his purse demands, and what happens? The man back peddles faster than Johnny Nelson on speed.

He better shut his mouth now, everyone knows he's full of shit when it comes to the crunch.

So he's got himself a f***ed up contract with Main Events - that's no-one's fault but his own. Why should a promoter have to make up the difference for him?

Hatton is the ticket seller, without him there's NO MONEY. Supply and demand. It's gone on for years and wont be changing anytime soon.

Did any champion get paid more than ODH, when Oscar was the challenger? Or Naz? Or Bruno?

Harris looks like he's about to jump the wrong way. Warren better call up Mitchell - he'd take 750K wouldn't he?

I would have thought so. This all stinks however. It does look like Harris has got cold feet, perhaps he never expected Warren to meet his demands. I think the fact that Stewart has suddenly come on the scene, and that Harris' contract will soon expire has a lot to do with this.

Surely though the two fighters can negotiate something through their respeective promoters if that is the issue?