Boxing Info: Sports Network Statement

Frank Warren and Sports Network Limited have today concluded that its interim application for injunctive relief will no longer be pursued against the Hattons. Sports Network will however continue to pursue its action through the courts against Ricky Hatton, Ray Hatton and Punch Promotions for damages for breach of contract.

This decision has been reached reluctantly following service of a number of Witness Statements by Ricky Hatton, Ray Hatton and others on their behalf. It is clear from these witness statements that a number of matters can only be resolved following oral evidence and cross examination of the relevant witnesses. Accordingly, although the injunction has been postponed, the full litigation is on going.

One such point raised by Ray in his statement was that Frank Warren had put Ricky’s life at risk by staging fights and that Frank was only concerned with the money.

Ricky said in his statement “at the beginning of 2004 he lost trust in me [Frank Warren] and Sports Network and that I [Frank Warren] did not have his interests sufficiently at heart”.

In reply Frank Warren says before “these proceedings Ricky had never made any of these feelings known to me.. all of his comments are extremely hurtful and untrue.”

Ricky continues in his statement by saying that “Frank Warren would put me into whatever fights as made the most money for them as quickly as possible. They would put me into three successive brutal defences against the best fighters in the world regardless of the fact that that would not be appropriate course for me, my health or career”.

Carlos Maussa is hardly a ‘brutal fight’, says Frank Warren. In fact Frank Warren continues by saying that he recalls that “Ricky’s trainer Billy Graham stated recently on Sky Sports Ringside programme: “do I fancy him [Maussa] for Ricky? I don’t think anybody would really pay to see it.”

All of the above is astonishing particularly in light of Ricky’s statement at the British Boxing Board of Control Awards Luncheon last week when he stated: “there are so many people I must thank for helping get this award…even Frank Warren, who promoted me excellently for many years.”

Frank Warren in reply states: “that in 2004 and 2005 he [Ricky] remains undefeated and earned £3,853,650 and is now ranked number one in the world. Ricky statement makes no sense whatsoever and shows that I always had his interests at heart.”

Frank Warren concludes by saying: “By Ray saying that I placed his sons life at risk is the lowest of the low. I have nurtured Ricky for his entire professional career and have always acted with his best interests the truth has to come out at trial.”