Boxing: Hatton still needs defining fight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ricky Hatton is now officially in the middle of boxing's increasingly chaotic world of interim titles, super champions and television champions.
On Saturday night in front of over 14,000 devoted fans at the MEN Arena in Manchester, Hatton won effortlessly against the late replacement Dennis Holbaek Pedersen to retain his World Boxing Union light welterweight title. Before the fight Hatton claimed that if he met Mr Bean the fans would still come out and he is, sadly, probably right.
Pedersen was never expected to be much more than a body for a light work-out. He did not complain when in the sixth round the referee, Dave Paris, did his job and ended the one-way encounter. Hatton had his title, the fans had something resembling a fight and when the Manchester idol left the ring he found himself knee-deep in potential showdowns and big money fights for the summer.
In theory Hatton will be back in action on 5 June here against the slick American Sharmba Mitchell in a fight for both his title and the American's International Boxing Federation interim version. The fight is agreed in principle but the promoters have to find the requisite cash to get both of the boxers into the ring at the same time.
Hatton could also fight somebody for the World Boxing Organisation interim title since that was the original plan for Saturday and it only collapsed when Brazil's Kelson Pinto decided not to fly to Manchester.
On Saturday night Mitchell easily beat his fellow American Mike Stewart over 12 rounds to set up the prospect of a meeting with Hatton, and it is a fight with the potential to excite Hatton's following like no other encounter during his 35-fight unbeaten career.
All that has to happen now is that Frank Warren, who is Hatton's promoter, Gary Shaw, who is Mitchell's promoter, and the TV companies on both sides have to agree a price. It could take six hours this afternoon or it could take six months but there is a definite chance the fight will take place because it is clear that both boxers want it and in the modern business that still counts for something.
Mitchell is a classy veteran and a man who understands his value, and the meeting could rest on his decision. He will probably be the one who will have to make some sacrifices since Hatton is the main attraction and the TV companies are fully aware of that. Thankfully, on Saturday night it was Mitchell's man Shaw who seemed the most confident about the fight actually taking place.
If Hatton does not fight Mitchell or Pinto, there are still several other potentially meaningful encounters for him in a weight division that is not short on talent, but is short on defining fights. Hatton, if he is sensible, can take advantage of the goodwill that his fans have extended to him and insist on a summer spectacular. Then perhaps, the followers of boxing in America will be as convinced of his talent as those in Britain who pay their money at the turnstile each time one of his fights is announced.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments