12.05.06 – The fight that Ricky Hatton has been training his entire career for is just one day away and “The Hitman” couldn’t be more serene. “I’m really enjoying myself in Boston, it’s a great fight town,” he said between sessions with the enthusiastic American media, in town to cover Hatton’s clash with WBA Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo, presented by Fight Academy and Banner Promotions at the TD Banknorth Garden this Saturday and televised live by in the US by HBO and in the UK on Sky Box Office.
Normally a light welter, Hatton looked rock-solid wearing the extra seven pounds of the welterweight class at the press conference yesterday and was in a jovial mood after receiving a gift from his Brooklyn based opponent. “Collazo gave me a six pack of Guinness as a present,” quipped Hatton, “which will take me all of five minutes to drink after the fight!”
Hatton, 40-0 (30), is no stranger to the spotlight, having become accustomed to his role as one of Britain’s most popular sportsmen. His relaxation at this crucial juncture is simply the calm before the storm, which he plans to visit upon Luis Collazo, 26-1 (12).. “I plan on showing the American audience what I’ve been delivering in Britain for 40 fights,” he said. “I believe that I’m the most exciting fighter in boxing and that I’ve always given good value for money. I’m the same old Ricky Hatton and don’t plan on being anything less tomorrow night.”
Fight Academy and Banner Promotions present the Ricky Hatton – Luis Collazo WBA Welterweight title clash held on Saturday, May 13 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA, televised live by in the US by HBO World Championship Boxing at 9:45PM ET/6:45PM PT and live in the UK by Sky Box Office starting at 9PM BST. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com
photo © Jane Warburton