Despite no opponent being confirmed for Ricky Hatton's American invasion, part of the plan was revealed at a packed press conference on Thursday aboard the WW2 era warship HMS Belfast. The thrust of the event was that Ricky Hatton had signed a three fight deal with Philadelphia based Banner Promotions and British outfit Fight Academy, confirming rumours that had been sweeping the UK press for the last week.
Team Hatton is banking that the three fights, all likely to be in the US, will turn "The Hitman" into a global superstar. Although no venue or opponent has been confirmed for the first contest, Carlos Baldomir, who pulled off a massive upset in beating undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah last month, leads the pack of possible opponents with Arturo Gatti and Acelino Frietas also being mentioned.
A bidding war between rival networks HBO and Showtime accounts for the uncertainty of who Hatton, 40-0 (30), will face next but the issue is expected to be resolved within a week.
Art Pellulo, President of Banner Promotions, said that "The Hitman" will fight in May and that there are plans for the raising of a 20,000 seat tent should Hatton fight in the Foxwoods Resort Casino complex in Connecticut. Other likely venues are in Boston and New York's Madison Square Garden.
Click to read more boxing articles by Robin York
Discuss in Boxing Forum
Related Boxing Articles...
13th May TD Banknorth Garden Boston
Ricky Hatton
Record: 40 Wins 0 Losses
KO Ratio: 75%
Age: 27
Stance: Orthodox
Reach: 65”
Height: 5' 6
Trainer: Billy Graham
Notable Wins...
Kostya >
The face to face for the double super-middleweight title fight between
Carl Froch and Brian Magee which was scheduled for 11.30 am at the Connaught Rooms in London tomorrow has >
Click for larger image© Stefan ChristouSaddo Boxing
In a press conference held early this morning on the HMS Belfast in London, >
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
Today (Thursday) at the City of Manchester Stadium, England, media came together for the official press conference ahead of Saturdays' 'HomeComing' Fightnight. Hosted by >
An open to the public press conference will be held on Friday, August 21st at 6pm at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion for “Warriors Collide/Windy City Fight Night 6” featuring the lightweight >
Showtime has announced a press conference to announce an ambitious plan surrounding some of the top super middleweights in the world.
The conference will take place early next week and is >
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
Ricky Hatton told press last week that after suffering his first defeat to Floyd Mayweather,"I'll come back stronger - that’s how great boxers are made". >
Full details of 'Hayemaker 6: Mersey Beatdown' will be announced at a Hayemaker Boxing press conference to be held on Tuesday, January 27 at the Jury’s Inn Hotel in >
Photo ©Jane Warburton/SaddoBoxing
Haye to hold October 3rd press conference ahead of Mormeck title fight
Former European cruiserweight champion David “The Hayemaker’ Haye will hold a one-off press conference on Wednesday, >
The press conference for the European/WBC international championship and WBC final elimination bout between WBC #2 rated welterweight Selcuk Aydin and #3 “Sugar” Jackson Osei Bonsu will be streamed live >
