Boxing: Pedersen is Hatton's new opponent
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 will now fight Denmark's Dennis Holbaek Pedersen in front of 16,000 fans at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on Saturday night for the World Boxing Organisation's interim light-welterweight title.
Hatton's original opponent, Kelson Pinto, withdrew late on Wednesday night, prompting a desperate scramble to find Hatton a replacement and salvage the high-profile show.
The Danish fighter is a lightweight who has fought only once in 18 months, although he has a reputation as a skilful, light-punching boxer. His evidently slender credentials satisfied the executives at Sky and Showtime in the USA, who will both screen the fight.
"It is not ideal to have any opponents switched so close to a fight but I am a professional and I will deal with it,'' Hatton said.
Pedersen, 29, has lost twice in 46 fights but has often been in carefully matched contests and Hatton, who is unbeaten in 34 fights, has met better and bigger men on a regular basis.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments