Boxing Info: Bodysnatcher Mike McCallum impressed by rib-breaker Ricky Hatton

Ricky “the Hitman’ Hatton is one of the most murderous bodypunchers in all of boxing – that’s the considered professional opinion of perhaps the greatest exponent of rib-cracking in modern pugilism, Mike McCallum.

The legendary “Bodysnatcher’ was a very interested observer at Hatton’s open workout at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas Tuesday afternoon. Now a world class trainer, the iconic Bodysnatcher was keen to see the undefeated side-spliter from across the Pond up close and personal.

And the former middleweight and light heavyweight king proclaimed himself impressed with the Hitman.

“I’ve watched Ricky’s fights and he doesn’t fight like a British fighter at all,” said the Jamaican born McCallum. “He fights like they do over here, he’s got moves and he is a very good body puncher. He’s the best British kid to come out (into world class) in years and years and I’m impressed by his work to the body. A lot of fighters who can punch just got for the head, this guy knows how hurtful it is to go down to the body.”

The legend – who was avoided like the plague by the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns – add: “Hatton’s got a good sense of how to set up body shots. A lot of fighters – even the top American and Mexican fighters – don’t go to the body like they should.

“It is hard to go to the body, you need timing or you take a risk of getting (punched) on the way in. But if you get that skill down – and this kid Ricky has – it makes you a deadly fighter.”

Hatton challenges for the IBF and IBO world junior welterweight titles against undefeated slugger Juan Urango at the Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, this Saturday. HBO televises live in the US while British fans can catch the action on Sky Box Office.