During a wildly exciting weigh-in at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Ricky Hatton promised the assembled 800 strong throng of vocal British fans that he will bring two more world titles back to England after Saturday night’s fight.
Hatton scaled one pound inside the 140lbs (10stone) limit while defending IBF champion Juan Urango – looking muscular and powerful - hit 140lbs on the button. In a break with tradition, the weigh-in was held in the middle of the casino floor and hundreds and hundreds of British fans were on hand to cheer their fighter.
After jumping off the scales the Hitman grabbed the microphone and drew roars of applause by vowing to beat the Columbia champion.
“I know you’ve come a long way,” Hatton told his loyal following. “It’s cost you a lot of money, I know, but thanks so much for your support. Those two belts are coming back with us to Britain.”
The vacant IBO title is also on the line
Although Hatton didn’t hit the scales until 2:30pm local time, fans were jockeying for position at the front of the stage from 11am.
And Urango was treated almost as a pantomime villain by the rowdy Brits, who booed him lustily.
“It is the most incredible weigh-in of my career,” the Hitman added afterwards. “When I came down the stairs into where they were holding the weigh-in I couldn’t believe the fans. And the noise they made! It is just unbelievable support and I just won’t let them down. I am sure they will get their money’s worth but I’m gonna give “em the performance of their career.”
Hatton v Urango is HBO’s main event (Sky Box Office in the UK) Saturday night.
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