Hatton Boxing: Matthew Hatton vs. Ted Bami March 28

ByBoxing Press

Matthew Hatton will finally emerge from the shadow of older brother Ricky when he headlines a professional bill for the first time next week.

Matthew, 27, faces London knockout artist Ted Bami in a final eliminator for the IBO World Welterweight title at Altrincham Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 28.

If the Manchester boxer comes through the hardest contest of his career on the Hatton Promotions bill, he could box in Las Vegas on May 2 on the undercard of his brother Ricky’s clash against Manny Pacquiao.

Matthew, who has won 35 of his 40 fights said: “I am not even looking past the Bami fight.

“Bami is my toughest ever fight. I am just concentrating 100 per-cent on winning this one and then I’ll be guaranteed a crack at the vacant IBO world title so these are exciting times for me.”

Bami, 31, beaten just four times in 30 fights last fought in the final of the Prizefighter welterweight competition four months ago when he narrowly lost in the final to Michael Lomax.

Bami is a former European light welterweight champion and among his victims are Bradley Pryce and quality Italian Giuseppe Lauri.

“Bami is a very big hitter, but one of my best assets is my chin. I have never been knocked down – amateur or professional. Even though Bami can punch, I don’t think he can knock me out. This is a very exciting fight between two fighters who like to come forward.

“Forget the British title. This is two of the top British welterweights fighting each other.”

A special attraction on the undercard is the professional debut of British Olympian Joe Murray, who has signed with Hatton Promotions and who will fight a six rounder on his debut.

The rest of the bill is made up of the hottest prospects in British boxing including Scott Quigg, Rhys Roberts and Thomas McDonagh

The show is the first of many that will be staged in the north-west by Hatton Promotions in the coming months.

Tickets for ‘Manchester Magic’ priced £55 (VIP Inner Ringside), £35 (Ringside), £30 (Floor Seating), £25 (Bleachers) are available from 0161 775 7500. Boxing commences 7.30pm.