Hatton Boxing: Crolla Gets Surprise British Title Opportunity

ByBoxing Press

Hatton Promotions boxer Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla will challenge John Watson for the vacant British lightweight title in Liverpool on Saturday February 12.

Crolla, 24, is stepping up a weight division and accepted the short notice job after Gavin Rees decided to vacate. Although the exciting Mancunian has just two weeks to prepare for his shock chance, he has been preparing to face Carl Johanneson in late February.

Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon: “It is a fantastic opportunity for Anthony and one he didn’t hesitate to accept. Of course, he would have got a shot at the British super-featherweight championship if he defeated Carl, but this is a job he really fancies.”

The early part of 2011 is developing into an exciting period for Hatton Promotions with numerous fighters in big fight action.

Matthew Hatton travels to Anaheim, California to face unbeaten Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez in Anaheim on March 5. Manchester Craig Watson headlines at Wembley Arena on February 19 when he challenges John O’Donnell for the vacant British welterweight crown.

A week later Stephen Foster Jr makes his first defence of the European super-featherweight championship against mandatory challenger Ermano Fegatilli.

Poxon added: “The quality of our fighters at Hatton Promotions and what Anthony is doing shows they do not fear stepping up to the plate.”

Crolla has won 19 of his 21 fights and is on a six fight winning streak since teaming up with trainer Joe Gallagher in August 2009. His fight against Johanneson will now be called off.