© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
In less than two weeks time, Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton faces Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium in a Frank Maloney promoted Fight night in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy.
Is the Hispanic going to cause Panic?
At his training quarters in Houston, TX, Lazcano told Sky Sports presenters last week that he sees the fight with Hatton as “Two Gladiators…looking forward to a battle”.
“Our styles mix together to produce a wonderful quality and action-filled fight – where anything can happen!” Says Lazcano. “A battle of wills – a great fight – I’m looking forward to the battle in Manchester”.
Lazcano’s trainer Ronnie Shields brought up the fact that Ricky doesn’t live the boxer life in between fights,“We’re going to make him pay for all that stuff!,” he said.
But Hatton has heard it all before and isn’t ‘phased’ by the comments.
Coming off his first defeat – he has been working as hard as ever in his training camp. It’s been ‘strictly business’ this time with non of the usual public-days at the gym.
Last year one could hardly move for people inside Billy ‘The Preacher ‘Graham’s Phoenix Gym in Denton, as fans crammed inside to get a look at the Hitman training.
This Fightnight is sure to be a huge occasion. And with fingers crossed – we’re hoping the British weather (over the bank holiday weekend !) is kind to us. One fan, laughing, said “I’ll be wearing my Man City shirt to support Ricky and I’m painting my face blue and white – so I hope it doesn’t rain!”
Ricky Hatton’s ‘Homecoming’ is on Saturday, May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England.