Team Hatton Update: Busy Afternoon Ahead For Ricky

Ricky Hatton will be a busy man on July 24 as four fighters from his stable are in action.

The Hitman’s super-lightweight protégé Anthony Upton tops Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing’s Danger Zone show in Cannock, as he squares off with Luke Paddock for the vacant English crown.

On the undercard, fellow Hatton-trained prospects Sonny Upton, Sam Evans and Reuben Arrowsmith are also in action against as yet to be confirmed opponents.

“As a trainer these are the sort of events you look forward to,” Hatton said. “I’ve got Anthony looking to win his first professional title in the main event and Sonny, Reuben and Sam all have the chance to show people their ability and build towards their own title fights down the line.

“I think everyone knows how much I used to love getting in the ring and letting my hands go and working a corner is the next best thing to that.

“Of course, most of the hard work is done in the gym beforehand, but it’s still a great feeling when a fighter listens to what I tell him in the corner and then puts it into action.

“I was very lucky in my career because I had Billy Graham in my corner and he always knew what to say whenever I needed a boost. If I can inspire my lads the way Billy inspired me, then they’ll go far.

“I think it’s going to be a cracking afternoon and I’m confident that we can win four out of four.”

Upton v Paddock tops a quality afternoon of boxing at the Chase Leisure Centre. In addition to Arrowsmith, Evans and Sonny Upton, the event also features English super-bantamweight champion Sean Davis, Swadlincote super-middleweight Zach Parker, Burton’s Leon Gower, Derby debutant Sahib Singh Mann, and former world kickboxing champion Chad Sugden.

The show takes place at Chase Leisure Centre, Stafford Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 4AL.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 Ringside, are available by calling 01543 504 065. The show takes place on Sunday afternoon with doors opening at 12.30pm.

Macclesfield super-middleweight Jake Haigh has signed a long-term deal with Hatton Promotions and will make his professional debut in the Autumn.

The 21-year-old was ranked in the top ten in England as an amateur but has decided to try his hand in the paid ranks.

As well as inking a promotional contract, Haigh will be trained by British boxing legend and four-time world champion Ricky Hatton at his gym in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

“I’m over the moon. Signing with Ricky as a pro is awesome,” Jake, who recently graduated from university with a first class degree, said.

“I don’t think I was getting the respect I deserved as an amateur so I looked into going pro and then Ricky made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

“My manager, Joe Collins, got in contact with Ricky and I went in to do some sparring with Chris Blaney. Afterwards Ricky asked me if I fancied turning over with him.

“I was a bit awestruck the first few days because Ricky is one of Britain’s best ever fighters. I took my mum and dad to the gym one day as well and they were going crazy, but I’ve settled in now and I’m learning something new every day.”

Ricky said: “Jake is a very talented kid and as soon as I saw him I knew he has what it takes to go far.

“Obviously coming straight out of the amateurs – it takes time to adapt to the pro style, but he’s getting there day by day and I’m very excited about his potential.

“He’s a very tall and rangey boxer who can be awkward and keep his opponent at distance, but he can mix in close as well so I think he’s going to be one to watch.”