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Ricky Hatton has heaped praise on Hatton Promotions world class light-welterweight Ashley ‘The Treasure’ Theophane.
The Londoner will now defend his British light-welterweight title against Darren Hamilton at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool on Saturday (19th May) hoping to win a Lonsdale belt for keeps.
Theophane, 31, was due to face Steve Williams but he pulled out early on Monday because of illness – leaving Ashley in the lurch for the second successive fight.
He encountered a similar problem in December when Nigel Wright was forced out of their contest forcing Theophane to box Ben Murphy – who he stopped in 11 rounds.
Hatton Promotions CEO Ricky Hatton said: “Ashley is an example to all boxers, and just wants to train and fight all comers. As soon as Williams pulled out he never once thought about not fighting, because the British title and owning a Lonsdale belt means so much to him. I have nothing but admiration for him.”
Hatton hopes that Theophane will move into the world title picture later this year having dominated the British scene since winning the title against Lenny Daws in February 2011.
He added: “I am so lucky to promote so many top class fighters who are also dedicated to the sport. Ashley has done it his way and flown around the world solo just to benefit from top class sparring and experience in the best gyms. He has served his dues and a world title fight is no more than he deserves, but Hamilton is still there to give him a test.”
