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Junior welterweights Ricky Hatton and Juan Urango both showed great respect for each other when they came face-to-face for the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas Thursday.
The unbeaten pair clash for the IBF and IBO 140lbs (10stone) titles and, while both men are vowing not to take a backwards step, the respect between the two all-action brawlers is obvious.
“He’s a great fighter,” said Hatton, who is challenging a fourth world champion in as many fights. “He’s all action, a bit like me, and he isn’t going to try and come and nick a point here and there. He’ll come and fight me full on and I’m gong fight him right back even harder. You can’t guarantee many things in sport, but I think the promoters will be safe guaranteeing a cracking fight with us.”
Speaking via his translator, Urango said: “I haven’t had the chance to meet Ricky properly but from what I hear he is a very (nice man) and I know he is a great fighter. Not many fighters have the strength to (stand in front) of Hatton but, God willing, that is what I will do. I am the champion and everyone will know that after this fight.”
Hatton added: “I’m not scared of him and he doesn’t look scared of me. But he doesn’t have to be scared of me – if fact I hope he’s not become I want him to come right for it. I’m not going to take a backwards step; I want more belts and I don’t want my dream of fighting in Las Vegas to be one of the worst memories of my life.”
While the two champions extended each other great professional respect, there was an underbelly of resentment from the champion’s camp.
“We’re happy for the opportunity but feel slighted that we have to speak first at this press conference,” said Urango’s promoter Leon Margules . “We’re the champion, not Hatton. And we also feel that they are underestimating Juan.”
But Hatton’s promoter Dennis Hobson countered: “If it wasn’t for Ricky, Urango wouldn’t be fighting for easily the best payday in his career. In fact, if it wasn’t for Ricky, this show wouldn’t be happening. I give Urango all the credit in the world for the way he fights and for becoming a champion, but Ricky is the true and only champion at light welter and it is for someone else to prove otherwise.
“And I know Ricky hasn’t underestimated anyone. He respects Urango a great deal and, I promise, this will be the best Hitman Hatton you’ve ever seen.”
