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Denton Vassell has revealed that he been preparing for his first Commonwealth welterweight title defence despite his dad’s death.
The unbeaten Mancunian’s dad Mansell died earlier this year, but Denton bravely decided to push ahead with Saturday’s (March 26) clash against Namibian Bethuel Ushona.
Vassell said: “People are saying ‘do this for your dad’, but I don’t want to put that sort of pressure on myself because at the end of the day I know he is proud of me.”
Mansell rarely watched his son fight, although Denton’s mum, Janet DaSilva is her boy’s number one fan. The fast emerging Hatton Promotions star added: “Dad never really liked me boxing but was proud I worked in a bank and loved it when people would say to him; ‘Your Denton is doing well’.
“He was pleased I had a good happy lifestyle and used to say he was glad I wasn’t on the streets fighting, selling drugs. I was doing something good and making something of my life. My mum goes to most of my fights, but my dad never liked watching me. It was weird.”
Ushona, 29, is undefeated in 23 fights, and holds a win over countryman Ali Nuumbembe who was formerly based in Manchester.
The cocky challenger said: “I haven’t even bothered looking at Vassell. I will work him out inside a round. I am one of the best welterweights in the world so what he can do doesn’t concern me.”
Vassell who has 16 professional fights won the Commonwealth crown in a thriller against Purdy last April.
In the chief supporting bout unbeaten hopefuls Matty Askin and Neil Dawson slug it out for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight title.
Other action packed clashes feature Tom Doran, Adam Little, Rhys Roberts. Jez Wilson, Jazza Dickinson and Tom Shaw
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £30, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/0161 775 7500
