Matchroom Boxing: Hitman Hatton Backs Prizefighter

Ricky Hatton backed Prizefighter as a great way for young boxers to get a foot in the door of the big-time – as D-Day for the public vote for the final fighter to take their spot at Prizefighter Super-Middleweights on June 30 approaches.

The Hitman spoke exclusively to Prizefighter about the success of the series ahead of the 13th outing for the ground-breaking format at York Hall in Bethnal Green, live on Sky Sports. There’s also a new twist with the eighth fighter to be selected by boxing fans through the official website with the final boxer to be confirmed soon.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic event – the mix of underdogs and kids against the fighters having their last shot at glory is sensational stuff,” said Hatton. “It's only three rounds so tactics go out the window and you have to give it hell for leather, I'm a big, big fan of it.”

Prizefighter has given the perfect start to the careers of Martin Rogan and Sam Sexton, who have fought each other for the Commonwealth title after winning the first and second events respectively, while it gave the kiss of life to Audley Harrison’s career, a man on the brink of a World title fight after winning Prizefighter.

Hatton believes that Prizefighter is both ideal grounding for those fresh from the amateurs whilst also giving hardy pros one last shot at glory.

“It's a major stepping stone for young fighters it's only three three-minute rounds so the lads who are used to doing shorter distances might even have an advantage over those who are used to longer distances,” said Hatton.

“It's great for a young prospect because he might have to fight a former champion with experience and I love that – I think that's fantastic, it's a great idea.”

Tickets for Prizefighter Super Middleweights are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.