Hatton Boxing: The Hitman Tips Vassell For Big Things

Ricky Hatton has revealed that Commonwealth welterweight champion Denton Vassell is helping him fall back in love with boxing.

‘The Hitman’s’ promotional outfit, Hatton Promotions stage a high quality dinner show at Manchester’s Palace Hotel on Saturday 4th December, with Vassell back in action.

Vassell, 29, keeps busy with an eight rounder against Brazilian Welson Alves de Oiveira (Jack Welson) and Hatton expects the unbeaten Mancunian to continue impressing when he bids for his 16th professional win.

Ricky who has compared Vassell to a mini Mike Tyson said: “I like Denton a lot and I am convinced he is going to become an elite fighter over the next 18 months.

“He was won a Commonwealth title in the time it took me to become Central Area champion. He has made massive progress and is 100 per-cent dedicated.

“He is always in the gym and works on the body belt like I did. He uses little moves that used to work for me. Denton is built like I am and I can identify with him, so to be promoting and helping with his career means the world.

“It means a lot to me when someone like Denton looks up to me and takes my advice seriously. I urge fans to get tickets to see this fighter in the early stages of his career before he hits the very top.”

Hatton, 32, regularly watches Vassell train under Bob Shannon at Hatton Health and Fitness, and added: “Once my boxing career finished and I didn’t have any goals that is why I crumbled and had my problems.

“Now I have got my head on my goals are to get in the gym and work with lads like Denton and hopefully give them as good a life as I got out of boxing. If I can make a champion out of somebody by showing them a move here and there and I’ll be a happy man.”

Vassell won an ABA title in 2006, and lifted the Commonwealth back in April outpointing Lee Purdy on one of the most exciting contests so far in 2010.

Welson, 29, is a former Brazilian light-middleweight champion and won 14 of his 17 professional bouts.

Also boxing on the card is Ryan Rhodes who has an eight rounder before possible world light-middleweight title fight and debutant Adam Little.

Although it is a dinner show, Hatton Promotions will not forget fans who just want to watch the boxing. There will be 200 tickets available to them on a first come, first served basis.

For those attending the black tie event there will be a reception at 6pm, followed by dinner and the boxing bill.

Dinner Ticket prices – Table of 10, £750.00. VIP Table of 10, £1000.00 and V-VIP Table of 10, £1250.00

General admission tickets are priced at £50.00, but there will be a strict dress code enforced. No Jeans, No Trainers, No Sportswear.

To book your tickets for this special not to be missed occasion call 0161 775 7500, 0844 847 2500 e-mail boxoffice@punch-promotions.com