Hatton – Collazo: Post Fight Conference

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Collazo was first to face the Media. He wore dark glasses and his nose was swollen. He was obviously upset and straight away said he wanted a rematch and would come to Manchester. He said several times that Ricky was holding him during the fight.

“I could have boxed a little more” he said, but made it quite clear that he felt he was wrongly “robbed’ of the title. “The people know who is the real champ”……”Ricky is “dirty’…he kept pushing my head down and pushing his head in”.

He went on to say “If he’s a man – he should give me the re-match. He should drop to light welter because if we meet up again – I’ll beat him next time. If he (Ricky) believes he really won – then he’ll give me the re-match……..the Referee saved him”.

Team Collazo said “the Ref did a bad job for us…Ricky did all the holding and head-butting”.
The media commented that the promotional/marketing had HATTON in capital letters above Collazo – when Collazo was the Champ. Media said “To us it looked like they stole it from you right from the start”.

Some credit was given to Don King at this point. Don King is quite a character and was laughing and waving his flags…..”I love the Union Jack” he said, “Yes, lets go to England”.

Collazo said”Rick came in with his head like a little Bull…I’m the Champion – he’s the Challenger”.

Dennis Hobson was asked what he thought . He said with confidence – “I thought Ricky won”.

Team Collazo thought Rick had a weak chin and said “until he redeems himself against Collazo – he can’t demand ANY fight”.

Don King did “steal the show’ a bit as he’s quite the entertainer!

Collazo said “I’m not even hurt”.

Art Pellulo repeated that it was a great fight – while Collazo continued that he “doesn’t believe Ricky beat him”. When asked if he (Collazo) had been surprised by Ricky, he replied “ Well, he head-butted me more than he did on the tapes!”.

Ricky came in to the Media room, his face bruised. In true gentlemanly form, he handled the questions well – giving honest answers. “The fight ebbed and flowed”, he said “it was a fantastic fight”. “He hurt me several times in the fight and I’m man enough to admit it. The force from some of his shots would knock me from one side to another.” When asked what he thought at the end of the 12th, he said he thought it was close but that he’d just “edged’ it. “I never give a prediction. It was a big, big night for me….in the States and to fight a Welter. I give Luis a lot of respect”.

When asked whether he felt it was a dirty fight, Ricky said “I don’t think it was a dirty fight. Luis was strong on the inside and that’s why he stayed there…….it’s not a tickling contest is it! I think I’ve shown what I’m all about – 3 world champions in consecutive fights – that’s not been done by any other British fighter, so I think I deserve some respect”……”I’m living my dreams really”.

A Re-match was suggested again and at this point, Billy – understandably is annoyed that Ricky is being pressured so soon after the fight.

Afterwards, Ricky Thanked his supporters and the family, friends and Team that is so loyal to him.

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing