Hatton Boxing: Bob Shannon Making A Difference With “Magic” Matthew

Ricky Hatton believes younger brother Matthew Hatton is on track to landing a world title fight thanks to trainer Bob Shannon.

Since teaming up with Shannon earlier this year, ‘Magic’ Matthew (39-4-2) has displayed his best ever form.

A world title fight or a Los Angeles September showdown with unbeaten Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez has been mooted.

Hatton, 29, must first make a successful European welterweight title defence against Ukrainian mandatory contender Yuri Nuzhnenko (30-1-1) at Bolton Arena on Friday July 16.

Two-weight world champion Ricky said: “This is a tough fight for Matthew, but he has come on so much since Bob Shannon started training him.

"It is an ambition to promote him in a world title fight inside the next year. I can't think of anything that would give me more pleasure. If Matthew won a world title it would give me as much pleasure as any win I have managed.

“Since Bob came to the gym he has had a lot of success and it is incredible how well he has clicked with Matthew. He has been a top trainer for years, but is now getting some recognition.”

In the chief supporting bout St Helens’ Martin Murray (19-0) meets Australian Peter Mitrevski Jnr (23-6-1) for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title.

Bury box office star Scott Quigg (18-0) meets tough Gavin Reid (6-6-1) for the vacant English super-bantamweight title.

Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Craig Watson (17-3) steps back down to welterweight to face a selected opponent in a ten rounder.

The star studded undercard includes several top Hatton Promotions prospects including Anthony Crolla (17-2), Matty Askin (6-0), Craig Lyon (10-0), Rhys Roberts (9-0), Jez Wilson (6-1) and Navid Iran (1-0).

Tickets are available from 0161 775 7500 or http://www.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13246636/a-night-of-championship-box.

Prices are £30, £50, £75 Ringside and £95 VIP Ringside.