In preparation for his June 4th showdown against IBF Light Welter champion Kostya Tszyu, Ricky Hatton has brought in two South American sparring partners and the Argentines have, along with Hatton stablemate Matthew Macklin, been instrumental in helping the Manchester man prepare for the biggest test of his career.
“We’ve brought in Guillermo Saputo who is a undefeated light middle, 14-0, promoted by Golden Boy promotions and Victor Castro, a light welter with a 19-2 (9) record,” said Team Hatton spokesman Paul Speak. “They’re both good fighters who as amateurs went to the Olympics and we’re also working with Matthew Macklin, who trains in the same gym as Ricky and is a light middle with a 12-1 (8) mark. Matt is really strong and a smart fighter who contends for the Irish title on Saturday.”
All three have been replicating Tszyu’s finely tuned Eastern European style to help Hatton prepare for the rigors of what lies ahead when he’ll climb through the ropes with the greatly feared IBF Champion. With three weeks yet to go the preparation for “The Hitman” is running smoothly and the longtime WBU titlist is already well within his weight targets. The 26-year-old has impressed his training team of Billy Graham, Bobby Rimmer and Kerry Kayes at the Phoenix Camp gym in Manchester with his complete focus and determination.
Click for larger image © Paul Speak
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