CANASTOTA, NY – (December 7, 2023) – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum, which will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2024, is thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 6-9, 2024.

The Class of 2024 includes Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, Michael “Double M” Moorer, Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon and Diego “Chico” Corrales (posthumous) in the men’s Modern category; Jane “The Fleetwood Assassin” Couch and “La Guerrera” Ana Maria Torres in the Women’s modern category; trainer Kenny Adams, manager Jackie Kallen and publicist Fred Sternburg in the Non-Participant category; journalist Wallace Matthews and broadcaster Nick Charles (posthumous) in the Observer category; Luis Angel Firpo (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Theresa Kibby (posthumous) in the women’s Trailblazer category.

Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2024 can be found on www.ibhof.com.

“As the Hall of Fame readies to celebrate its landmark 35th anniversary, we are beyond excited to reveal the Class of 2024 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 6-9th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

For more information on the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS
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“This is something great, a dream come true. I dreamed to be a boxer. I dreamed to be a world champion. I especially dreamed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. And now I’ve got everything!” – Ivan Calderon

“That’s incredible. You never think of when you lace the gloves on at 10 years old that you’ll end up in the Hall of Fame with some of the great fighters already there. I’m a bit speechless. There’s no greater honor. I’m delighted.” – Ricky Hatton

“I appreciate this very much. The Hall of Fame Wall is the wall of the elite, and I am so happy to be inducted alongside some of my favorite boxers like Salvador Sanchez, Alexis Arguello and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. I made it to the elite.” – Michael Moorer

“Oh my God, I’m in shock over this news. Wow! I can’t believe it. I’m so excited and cannot wait to get to Canastota and meet everyone during the Induction Weekend.” – Jane Couch

It is a great honor to be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame with great champions. I am very happy! Thanks to my mom, who has always been with me. My husband, my children and I have taken this great news as another championship.” – Ana Maria Torres

“This feels great to get this news. I can now say that I’ve reached the highest point in the sport of boxing.” – Kenny Adams

“I’m so happy I could cry! I’ve wanted this for so long. I am so elated I don’t know what to say. To be recognized for my 45 years in the sport is amazing and I’m so appreciative. I’m looking forward to a wonderful experience at Induction Weekend.” – Jackie Kallen

“I am stunned. Working in boxing has been such great fun. I have had the good fortune to work with some very remarkable people, including world champions and contenders, promoters, managers, and television executives, trainers and fellow public relations practitioners, all who were generous with their time and taught me so much. Inside the International Boxing Hall of Fame, there are plaques dedicated to boxing legends of all generations. It is a privilege to join them.” – Fred Sternburg

“I never went into this for awards or money. I went into it to help the fighters because I love boxing and to know that I’m going to be honored among the athletes that I respected and loved as a kid is a great honor and humbling.” – Wallace Matthews

“I’m over the moon happy to hear that Diego will be enshrined with his boxing peers and family that he loves so much at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024. Our entire family thanks the voting committee for recognizing the hard work and dedication that Diego gave the sport of boxing with the highest level of recognition a Champion can ever ask for. I’m sure Diego is smiling from ear to ear as I accept this news on his behalf. Thank you.” – Michelle Corrales-Lewis

Connect with the International Boxing Hall of Fame through social media:

Facebook: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame

Instagram: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame

Twitter: @BoxingHall

Website: www.IBHOF.com

About the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the great sport of boxing. Located in Canastota, New York, it serves as a tribute to the world’s finest boxers and contributors to the sport, allowing boxing enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and tradition of boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Boxing comes to Greater Manchester this Saturday 17 September, when ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) returns to put his name into title contention once again by making a statement against Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at The University of Bolton Stadium.

Coming to bring the heat, “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to pass the test and set up a massive North East fight, whilst British champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) looks to retain his beloved lightweight title against Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs) as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

To mention Manchester boxing in a sentence without the addition of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton would be like breathing without air. Former holder of the IBF, IBO, WBA and The Ring Light Welterweight belts, alongside his WBA Welterweight title, mark him and his achievements down as one of British boxing’s greatest ever careers.

Born at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Hatton would go on to proudly succeed whilst flying the flag for his city. Notoriously followed with his army of supporters, it is not only fighting for the people, but being one of the people, that makes you a Manchester fighter.

“Manchester’s always been a great fighting city, even before Ricky Hatton came along. You know we had Carl Thompson who was the world cruiserweight champion. We had Steve ‘The Viking’ Foster from Salford who was the Commonwealth champion, and fought Winky Wright for the world title, just as Ensley Bingham did who was the British light-middleweight champion,” said Hatton.

“I think if you look at all the boxers from Manchester then you see they’re all good people. Down to Earth people, no arrogance in them either, because they wouldn’t relate or get the support from the people of Manchester. We turn out so many great fighters, and that’s why we’ve always had some so much great support.”

That support lead Hatton on to fight the greatest of fighters in one of the division’s toughest eras. Things didn’t quite go to plan against Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, but it gave ‘The Hitman’ the opportunity to bounce back and go on to beat Juan Lazcano straight away.

Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur suffered his first loss last time out, as his second fight with Anthony Yarde resulted in the score standing at one win each. Hatton believes that getting back into action is exactly what Arthur needs to reach his potential at hitting the highest of heights in the sport, starting this Saturday live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

“Lyndon is world class and just needs to go into this fight remembering that. Yes he suffered a loss against a good opponent, that’s boxing, but now he can move on and start challenging for those big names and titles,” said Hatton.

“When you’re knocking everybody out comfortably, and everyone’s shaking your hand, things can be a bit too easy at times. Legacies are built on bouncing back from defeat, and I believe Lyndon’s got all the attributes to not only bounce back but propel forwards at a greater speed.”

Wasserman Boxing presents Lyndon Arthur’s (19-1, 13 KOs) explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight. A fiery all-Welsh British Lightweight title affair will also feature between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs), as well as “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) putting on the battle armour as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 5 – Sam Maxwell hopes to walk in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton by winning the IBO super-lightweight world title later this month.

The 33-year-old faces Alejandro Meneses at Probellum Liverpool on April 22 on a massive night of world championship boxing in one of Britain’s boxing hotbeds.

Maxwell’s crack at the IBO belt will act as chief support to the main event which sees local hero Paul Butler challenge WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero, at the M&S Bank Arena.

The unbeaten Maxwell, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the amateurs, stayed up into the early hours of the morning to watch Pacquiao and Hatton’s 2009 mega fight in Las Vegas, when the IBO crown was on the line.

Maxwell, nicknamed ‘Super Sam’, finds it surreal that he will now be competing for that same title later this month in front of a packed arena in Liverpool.

“My career has been building to this moment,” said the 16-0 Sam Maxwell.

“I won the WBO European title, then British and the Commonwealth belts and how I have this huge fight for the IBO world title.

“I feel lucky to be handed this opportunity and I will make the most of it.

“Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have held the title so it’s a belt with a lot of history.

“I watched those Hatton and Pacquiao fights, including when they fought each other, and so it is absolutely crazy to think I will now be fighting for that title.”

‘A LIFE CHANGING MOMENT’ – read our full interview with Sam Maxwell here

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum said: “The 140lbs division is on fire now and by winning the IBO world title, Sam can put himself in the frame for some career-defining fights.

“The world of boxing is expecting Josh Taylor to vacate his belts and move up to 147lbs and, as Sam says, that would create massive opportunities in the division for many fighters, including Maxwell.

“Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this fight for Sam and put it on a brilliant card in Liverpool later this month. We can’t wait for our first event in one of the UK’s biggest fight cities.”

Probellum, the fastest growing brand in the sport, have signed some of world boxing’s leading fighters in the 140lbs division, since launching in September last year.

Jack Catterall, the People’s Champion, signed for Probellum in March and joined Regis Prograis, who has become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title, following a win over Tyrone McKenna in Dubai.

Lewis Ritson kept his world title aspirations alive with a win over Dejan Zlaticanin in Newcastle last month and is on a collision course with the world ranked Ohara Davies, while former world champion Ricky Burns is part of the Probellum stable and made his comeback in December.

To keep up to date with all of the news from Probellum’s world class stable of 140lbs fighters, sign up to the Probellum?newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook?

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 20, 2021) — As we look forward to the showdown between eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., which is 32 days away, it seems only fitting to look back at Manny’s thrilling victory over  then undefeated WBA welterweight “super” champion Keith Thurman, which took place two years ago today in Las Vegas.  Manny opened the fight with a first-round knockdown of Thurman en route to a 12-round split decision victory.  As Thurman accurately stated in his post-fight interview, “It was a night of blessings and lessons.”  Manny’s victory over Thurman was a career highlight for boxing’s longest and most successful partnership.  For 20 years, Manny has had his trainer, world-famous Freddie Roach, in his corner, literally and figuratively, winning world titles in seven different weight divisions in a career of firsts that not only defines the champion he repeatedly became, but the Filipino spirit which has been embraced by the world.  During those the past 20 years, Manny has played David to a roster of Hall of Fame Goliaths, scoring the most impressive victories of his era against the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Márquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.  In his last three fights, which took place during a 12-month period, from July 15, 2018 through July 20, 2019, Manny ran the table, winning welterweight world title fights against Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Thurman.  

Below, please find selected clips from ringside, and a link to the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View telecast.          

• Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman Full Fight | HIGHLIGHTS | PBC ON FOX – YouTube
• Manny Pacquiao: Thurman win the perfect ending, if he wants it – Sports Illustrated
• Manny Pacquiao remains the most riveting fighter of his generation (espn.com)
• Manny Pacquiao beats Keith Thurman by split decision (apnews.com)
• Ellerbe squashes talk of Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch (yahoo.com)
• Dwyre: Manny Pacquiao’s victory would be the ultimate farewell to a storied career – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
• Whicker: Manny Pacquiao’s win over Thurman will reverberate for a while – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)
• Manny Pacquiao defies Father Time with another signature victory | Las Vegas Review-Journal (reviewjournal.com)
• Pacquiao mulls future after title stunner (yahoo.com)
• Manny Pacquiao beats Keith Thurman by split decision for welterweight title – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
• In a blistering bout, Thurman couldn’t keep up with the ageless Pacquiao (and other observations from Las Vegas) – The Athletic

*********************

Manny (62-7-2, 39 KOs), the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time BWAA Fighter of the Year, hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines.  He faces his biggest professional boxing challenge when he takes on Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), of Desoto, Texas.  Spence is 11 years younger and over four inches taller than the amazin’ Manny.  Would Manny have it any other way?  The Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions.  The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT.  Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2021)–There will be fireworks to kickoff Memorial Day weekend, tonight on Classic Fight Night at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network, as two memorable knockouts will be featured .

Junior welterweight Ricky Hatton defended his title against Jose Luis Castillo on June 23, 2007. That fight will be joined by the Daniel Jacobs – Dmitry Pirog WBO World Middleweight Title bout that happened on July 31, 2010.

Both fights featured stunning and emphatic endings, Tune in at 8 PM ET to watch these explosive results.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

PHILADELPHIA (May 21, 2021)– Popular two division champion Ricky Hatton looked to reclaim the IBF world junior welterweight title from undefeated Juan Urango in a bout that will be featured tonight in the next installment of Classic Fight Night at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network.

Urango was surging with a record of 17-0 -1,with 13 knockouts, and was looking to make the first defense of the title Hatton relinquished. Urango was considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing at the time. Hatton (41-0, 30 KOs) surrendered the IBF world junior welterweight title when he moved up to beat WBA world welterweight champion Luis Collazo.

Tune in to see these two undefeated champions, when they met at The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas on January 20, 2007.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

December 23, 2020–TONIGHT!!! on fubo Sports Network, fights that feature former two-division world champion Ricky Hatton plus recent International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Andre Ward will be streamed on Classic Fight Night.

The bouts on tonight’s the show will be Hatton’s sensational performance against Jose Luis Castillo in a much anticipated bout that took place on June 23, 2007. Also on the show will be the June 10, 2000 fight between Hatton and Gilbert Quiros.

Ward, who just last week was named to the 2021 International Boxing Hall of Fame class, will have his April 29, 2006 bout against Andy Kolle showcased on the show. The fight was the 9th fight of Ward’s career.

The show begins at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

December 16, 2020–TONIGHT on fubo Sports Network, fans can relive the WBA Welterweight world title fight between Ricky Hatton and Luis Collazo.

The fight begins at 8 PM ET.

At the time, Hatton of Manchester, England was considered one of the hottest fighters in the world after his upset win of Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF Junior Welterweight crown and unify his titles in his next fight with the WBA title as he stopped Carlos Maussa.

The undefeated Hatton (40-0, 30 KOs) then set his sights on conquering America and win a title in a 2nd weight division when he took on the classy WBA Welterweight champion Collazo (26-1, 12 KOs) on May 13, 2006 at The TD Garden in Boston.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Campbell Hatton, son of Manchester’s two-weight World Champion Ricky Hatton, has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his professional debut in February 2021.

The 19-year-old Manchester City fanatic will kick off life in the paid ranks at Super-Featherweight under the guidance of his uncle Matthew, a former World Title challenger, and will be managed by his father, who transcended the sport of boxing to become one of the country’s most adored sportsmen.

“It’s a dream come true to sign with Eddie and Matchroom,” said Hatton. “There’s no bigger platform in the world that I could be signed to, so I’m in a great position. I can’t wait to get in there now, my goal is to be as busy as possible to start with, and to just keep learning and improving with each fight. 

“I had always done bits in the gym with my dad and Matthew growing up, but I first started boxing properly when I was about 14. My grandad took me down to Northside ABC in Clayton and I loved it ever since. I had a handful of fights for them then moved to Roy Richardson’s Boxing Academy.

“In the amateurs I won a National Novice Title and two North West Titles. After winning the Novices it was hard to get matched with fighters with a similar amount of fights so I ended up boxing a lot of National Champions and international fighters which brought me on massively.

“I think now is the right time for me to turn over to the pro ranks because from a young age I’ve always been told I have had a very professional style and that never did me any favours as an amateur, which has always made me eager to turn over. Now I’ve got the experience behind me I’m in a position where I’m not just capable to do it, I can do it and impress people. 

“I’m looking at starting out as a Super-Featherweight, but I think I’ll fill out to be a solid Lightweight eventually. I’ve got a style that people will really take to, I’m very aggressive and have a high work rate and bang well to the body and I also like to think, box clever and pick my shots, but when the time is right I won’t shy away from a tear up.

“I’m very lucky to be in the position I’m in with my dad being a former World Champion and my uncle Matthew also being a World Title challenger as well because their experience in the game is second to none. There aren’t many people who can say they have that sort of advice. 

“Me and my dad get on really well. I think it’s because we are so similar, we have the same sense of humour, same interests and the same passion for boxing. It’s such a big part of both of our lives which makes us very lucky to be able to share that.”

“I had a meeting with Campbell and Ricky and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up,” said Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn. “We have a chance to do something very special in Manchester here and we will do everything we can to guide Campbell the right way. The pressure is on him but he has a great head in his shoulders and a city behind him that will support him every step of the way. Let’s have some fun!”

“I’m extremely proud of Campbell turning professional,” said British fight legend Hatton. “I’ve been proud of him since the day he was born. He’s a fine young man and he’s following in my footsteps. My mum and dad brought me up in a certain way and I’d like to think I’m doing the same thing with Campbell. 

“He now has a massive platform with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports. I don’t think he’s going to disappoint. He’s only young and he’s got a way to go. I think people will love his personality, he’s a chip off the old block. Fans will love his fighting style. 

“I think people will take him to their hearts like they did with me. He’s got a great team behind him with Matchroom and Eddie, he’s got me and Matthew looking after him in the gym. He’s got a heart as big as his dad’s. He has the talent and the ability to be a real force and success story in the game.”

You can follow Hatton’s journey on Twitter: @CampbellHatton and Instagram: campbellhatton

NEW YORK – April 28, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports will continue to present classic bouts from its vast archive of world championship fights every Friday night at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME throughout the month of May. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

The May SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS line-up highlights some of the biggest names in boxing in a slew of signature fights, including the 2017 blockbuster pay-per-view event Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. Every Friday night, viewers will be able to relive classic encounters from all-time greats such as Mayweather, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and more, as well as the stars of today including Premier Boxing Champions fighters Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Keith Thurman and more.

The scheduled is as follows.

• Friday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr.
  • Spence vs. Lamont Peterson

Friday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

• Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter
• Thurman vs. Danny Garcia
• Friday, May 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana I
  • Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor
• Friday, May 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kostya Tszyu vs. Ricky Hatton
  • Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy
• Friday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton II
  • Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares II

Combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host live companion episodes of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel for select SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecasts. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome.

A synopsis of the bouts featured on SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS is listed below.

Brook-Spence(May 27, 2017, Spence KO 11) – Spence goes into enemy territory and takes the IBF Welterweight Title away from Sheffield, England’s own Brook in an all-action affair at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Brook’s left eye is badly damaged from Spence’s powerful punches and that proves to be the deciding factor in the bout. By the end of round nine, Brook’s left eye is grotesquely swollen and in round 10, Spence drops Brook with a flurry of punches. The 27-year-old Spence pours on the pressure in round 11 and with Brook’s eye in serious condition, he takes a knee on his own accord. Brook gets up at the count of 9 but referee Howard Foster waves it off, much to the disappointment of the 27,000 fans in attendance.

Spence-Peterson (January 20, 2018, Spence TKO 7) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Spence retains his IBF title with an impressive stoppage of former two-division champion Peterson. In his first defense since dethroning Brook, Spence outboxes a tough Peterson from start to finish, showcasing a wide array of skills, speed and power. The fight is ends prior to the start of the eighth round after Peterson’s trainer, Barry Hunter, calls for the stoppage.

Thurman-Porter (June 25, 2016, Thurman W 12) – In an old-fashioned Fight of the Year candidate, undefeated welterweight world champion Thurman defends his title and edges out former world champion Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The two fighters throw over 1200 punches combined in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® on CBS event.

Thurman-Garcia (March 4, 2017, Thurman W 12) – Thurman unifies boxing’s glamour division with a split-decision victory over Garcia, defending his WBA belt and picking up the WBC crown on boxing’s biggest stage in primetime on CBS. The close affair, which was only the third time undefeated fighters met to unify the 147-pound division, is scored 116-112 Thurman, 115-113 Thurman and 115-113 Garcia. Thurman comes out swinging and is the busier and more accurate fighter in nine-of-the-12 rounds. Garcia picks up the pace in the final rounds, but it’s too little too late for the previously undefeated Philadelphia native.

Mayweather-Maidana I (May 3, 2014, Mayweather W 12) – Mayweather prevails with a hard-fought majority decision victory over Maidana to become the WBA and WBC Welterweight Champion in front of over 16,000 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For a moment, it seems like Maidana could do the unthinkable and hand pound-for-pound champion Mayweather the first loss of his brilliant career with his suffocating and blazing style. Instead, Mayweather’s defense and punching accuracy allow him to pick up his 46^th consecutive win with scores of 114-114, 117-111 and 116-112.

Mayweather-McGregor (August 26, 2017, Mayweather TKO 10) – Floyd Mayweather ends his historic career in style with a convincing technical knockout victory over UFC mega-star Conor McGregor in an unprecedented global sporting event that delivers 4.4 million domestic pay-per-view buys, second only to Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao in 2015. The 40-year-old Mayweather, fighting for the first time in 714 days, punishes McGregor with a series of blows to end the fight in the 10^th round. Mayweather goes out on top, becoming the first boxer to finish his career at 50-0, eclipsing the record he had previously shared with the legendary Rocky Marciano.

Tszyu-Hatton (June 4, 2005, Hatton TKO 11) – In front of 22,000 screaming fans, a largely unproven but hungry Ricky Hatton announces his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene by recording an 11^th-round TKO over one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World Title. After 11 rounds of boxing marked by Hatton’s signature stamina, aggression and heart, Tszyu’s corner decides to retire before answering the bell for the final stanza in one of the most memorable upsets British boxing has ever seen.

Calzaghe-Lacy (March 4, 2006, Calzaghe W 12) – In the most anticipated super middleweight match since Roy Jones defeated James Toney 12 years prior, Calzaghe produces a masterpiece win over the heavy pre-fight favorite Lacy to earn the WBO and IBF Super Middleweight titles. Calzaghe dominates throughout the fight, with the British fight fans chanting “Over-rated” at the American Lacy during the last three rounds. Calzaghe cuts Lacy over both eyes and causes blood to flow from Lacy’s nose midway through a fight that could have been stopped several times, and floors him in the 12^th. It is the 17^th time that Calzaghe defends his WBO 168-pound belt since outpointing Chris Eubank for the vacant title in October 1997.

Santa Cruz-Frampton II (January 28, 2017, Santa Cruz W 12) – Leo Santa Cruz executes his game plan brilliantly to reclaim the WBA Featherweight Championship in a rematch of his epic first fight with Frampton on July of 2016. Frampton is the more aggressive fighter in the second half of the encounter, but his aggression opens him up to effective counter shots from Santa Cruz, who wins with scores of 114-114 and 115-113 twice.

Santa Cruz-Mares II (June 9 2018, Santa Cruz W 12) – In an electrifying war that has the STAPLES Center crowd on its feet chanting for more, Santa Cruz defends his WBA Featherweight Championship by winning a unanimous decision in a rematch against four-division world champion Abner Mares. In a near statistical replica of the first fight that Santa Cruz won by majority decision in 2015, the three-division world champion Santa Cruz wins on all three of the judges’ scorecards by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.

Last month, SHOWTIME announced that new customers who sign up before May 3 can take advantage of a 30-day free trial for the SHOWTIME streaming service, available on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app on all supported devices.

RICKY HATTON believes Nathan Gorman has the ring IQ to make sure KO King Daniel Dubois is catching fresh air with most of his punches when the heavyweight giants collide.

The emerging youngsters meet for the vacant British title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton is now making his name as a trainer.

Nantwich’s Gorman (16-0, 11KOS) is his latest star turn and likely to be heading towards would glory if he defeats Dubois (11-0, 10KOS).

Hatton said:  “You have to take the opportunities when they come along and this is the right fight for my lad.

“It has happened a little bit sooner that we thought and I think I can speak for both teams when I say that.

“We know we’ve got a tough task. Look at the size of Daniel, but I think my lad has more in his armoury and that’s why I accepted it.

“I think my lad is gonna win. I think Nathan has the ability to win – the speed, the boxing brain, the movement. With his speed and movement he will make Dubois miss.

“We will have to use that speed and movement to make him miss, but if you make him miss and then hit him with tap-tap punches Daniel will keep on coming.

“So, what we’re working on is the oldest saying in boxing; ‘Make him miss, make him pay and hit him with bad intentions.’

“Daniel isn’t the most elusive and can get hit. I think if Nathan comes back with mean intentions which is what we’re working on I only see it going one way and that is my lad wins.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

RICKY HATTON believes the mouth-watering clash between Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman proves the strength of British heavyweight boxing.

Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Hatton trained Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) meet for the vacant British championship in one of the most significant domestic fights in recent years at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

The winner will go soaring up the world rankings. And with both men in their early twenties promoter Frank Warren insists he will rebuild the loser and get him back on the title trail.

Tyson Fury is the lineal champion and Anthony Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts, to leave Hatton gushing:  “What a time to be a British heavyweight boxer.”

“On the world stage we’re up there and domestically there is world class potential.

“It wasn’t so long ago few people knew who a British heavyweight was. Now we have so many.

“People ask; ‘Why is Nathan against Daniel happening for a British title? It’s a little bit too soon ,’and maybe it is with the amount of fights they’ve had.

“But, if you win a British title these days it is more prestigious than it was in years gone by and that is no disrespect to anyone.

“There are British heavyweights at world level like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte. Then you have Dereck Chisora, Dave Allen, Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce and Nathan.

“If you win the British title you’ve earn’t it because there are so many great fighters out there.

“It isn’t just a lovely Lonsdale belt at stake, but doors will be opened for the winner.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

BRITISH BOXING ICON Ricky Hatton saw his beloved Manchester City complete a domestic treble this past Saturday as they cruised to a 6-0 win against Watford at Wembley Stadium. The win added to the Premier League and League Cup trophies that City had scooped in 2019.

City were on course to win 4 trophies until they bowed out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Hatton, who fought Juan Lazcano at Manchester City’s ‘City of Manchester’ stadium in 2008 admits he was hoping to see his team win four trophies this year.

Now the trainer of British Heavyweight Title challenger Nathan Gorman, the ‘Hitman’ is looking for a Gorman win over Daniel Dubois on July 13 at The O2, London to make up for it.

“As a City fan I was hoping we could do the Quadruple this year. We’ve won the League, the League Cup, and now the FA Cup” said Hatton.

“There was obviously no Champions League but in my head when Nathan wins the British Title it will make up for it and I’ll get my Quadruple.”

The coveted Lonsdale belt will be on the line on July 13 when Daniel Dubois (11-0 10KOs) and Nathan Gorman (16-0 11KOs) collide in a battle of unbeaten British heavyweight prospects. Both men are promising that the fight will not go the distance and fans are in for an explosive treat live on BT Sport.

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

RICKY HATTON believes that Daniel Dubois will be seeing stars when he collides with bitter rival Nathan Gorman.

The pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13 in one of the most significant domestic title fights in recent years.

Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) has the big punching reputation, while Nantwich’s Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) is known for his skills.

But Hatton who trains Gorman believes the Londoner will be the on the receiving end of big shots when they clash, live on BT Sport.

British ring legend, Ricky said: “I say it the way it is because it’s what I believe. You will always get honesty from Ricky Hatton.

“I believe I have got the best man and he wins by knockout. If you know Ricky Hatton I don’t do BS.”

Gorman, 22, has been taken the distance by Kamil Sokolowski, Razvan Cojanu and Kevin Johnson which suggests that putting Dubois out for the count is tougher than expected.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton said: “We are looking at six or seven different sparring partners just to do a couple of rounds apiece – one in and one out after every round.

“That will keep them fresh. They will be told to jump all over Nathan and he will be making them miss and pay.

“Nathan needs to hit Daniel with something significant to get respect from him and stop him in his tracks.

“Little arm shot ticklers are not gonna work against Daniel. We have a game plan and think it will work on the night.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and will be priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

BRITISH boxing great Ricky Hatton has warned Josh Warrington that he faces the fight of his life against Kid Galahad.

Warrington makes the second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against mandatory challenger, Galahad at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Hatton says Warrington’s huge army of hometown fans face a nerve jangling night when Sheffield’s Galahad gets his long-awaited world title tilt.

“This fight is as tough as they come and hard to call,” says former world super-lightweight and welterweight champion, Hatton.

‘The Hitman’ has seen Galahad from close quarters in the gym when he took boxers to spar with Galahad (26-0) and his gym-mates at the Wincobank gym.

Hatton added: “I used to take Zhanat Zhakiyanov who was WBA bantamweight champion to spar Kid Galahad. I saw then that Galahad can really fight.

“This really is a tough fight, but since Josh became world champion I think he has warmed to it.

“It’s a very good fight and you’ve got to heap all the praise on Josh Warrington.”

Warrington (28-0) caused an upset when he defeated Lee Selby 11 months ago to become world champion, and was the underdog again when he made a successful first defence against Carl Frampton.

Hatton said: “Champions are judged on how good they are by the fighters they faced. Josh has beaten Lee when he was the underdog and Carl, a multiple world champion.

“Now, he is in with another quality fighter, Kid Galahad.

“His confidence has gone up another couple of gears since becoming a world champion. He is coming off the fight against Frampton and you won’t see many better fights in a boxing ring.

“He is on the crest of a wave and while your confidence is up you might has well face these people like Kid Galahad because it needs to be up.”

Although Hatton is full of admiration for Warrington, he believes that Galahad may have more natural talent than the defending champion.

Hatton explained: “Josh has a very high work rate, he doesn’t leave you alone. Look at the Frampton fight, Carl was the better boxer and judge of distance, but Josh took that away from him.

“That is what you do with fighters who have more talent. Take the talent away – bully them, rush them and keep on top.

“I think he will employ similar tactics against Kid Galahad who is very, very talented. Josh has got a very good boxing brain and he is going to need it against Kid Galahad.

“Kid Galahad is very talented, but sometimes people with the most talent don’t win. It is about the right tactics and game plan.

“That is why I pick Josh ever so slightly, but this fight is tough.”

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

RICKY HATTON believes that his Heavyweight protege Nathan Gorman can reach the very top of the division in years to come.

‘The Hitman’ trains Gorman (14-0) who faces the toughest night of his short career when he defends his WBC International Silver championship against former world title challenger Alex Leapai (32-7-4) at Manchester Arena on Saturday 22nd December.

Fury trains at Hatton’s gym on the outskirts of Manchester, so Gorman gets plenty of action with his cousin.

“There are a few more boxes that he has got to tick, but Nathan can get where Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are,” said Hatton who will be Fury’s corner when he challenges WBC World Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday (December 1), live on BT Sport Box Office.

“He has not been in a war yet, he has not been hit on the chin and there are boxes to tick, but he will get there.

Gorman, 22, will be making the first defence of the title he won when he knocked out Mohamed Soltby last November when he faces Leapai.

But Hatton believes it will not be a step too far despite the Aussie based Samoan’s experience that includes a challenge for Wladimir Klitschko’s IBF, WBA and WBO belts in April 2014.

He lost in five rounds, but 26 wins have come inside the distance – almost double the amount of professional contests Nantwich’s Gorman has competed in.

Hatton recalled: “The first day he came in my gym, he was 18 years of age and I said; ‘How long has he been boxing?’ and I was told just over 12 months.

“My jaw just hit the floor. He was so natural. From then he has progressed even further and won a WBC international belt already and there are big, big fights.

“His fight against Alex Leapai on the Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton undercard is a big stage to show his talent.

“He has made unbelievable progress. I have to remind myself sometimes that he only had 12 fights as an amateur and still got on the GB squad.”

Gorman will almost certainly fight fellow unbeaten prospect Daniel Dubois in the future and although he is keen for that to happen, he is happy for both boxers promoter Frank Warren to stage the fight when the time is right.

Hatton says: “Nathan has another domestic rival in Daniel Dubois. We have Tyson and AJ at the top, but it is nice to see Nathan and Daniel on the conveyor belt behind them.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful to Daniel and his team. I know how strong Daniel is, but Nathan can handle it in that department. He has got the boxing ability, the speed, the close quarter game, the distance.

“He has so many more tools in his bag than what Daniel has got and Nathan says he hardly lost a round when they sparred on the GB squad.

“I refuse to believe Daniel Dubois is improving at the rate Nathan is.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Alex Leapai.

Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

RICKY HATTON has revealed that heavyweight hope Nathan Gorman is nagging him for a showdown with bitter rival Daniel Dubois.

Both men are promoted by Frank Warren and a clash between two of the divisions biggest prospects looks certain for the future.

Promoter Warren will be keen to match them inside 18 months and Hatton is also patient, but Gorman is on his trainer’s case pleading for the contest.

They sparred during their amateur days on the GB squad and British ring great Hatton revealed: “Nathan must hound me every week about fighting Daniel Dubois.

“He says he has sparred with him when they were on the GB squad and Nathan words, not mine are that he has ‘never lost a round to him.’

“He is itching for that, but I tell him he has got to give it time.

“We’re heading in the right direction with Frank. I have told Nathan don’t worry about Daniel – just concentrate on yourself, keep improving and adding to your fan base.

“He is a lovely kid, not arrogant. He just has confident in his own ability to what he can do if he gets the chance to fight Dubois.”

Gorman (13-0) is in action on Warren’s card at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday (Oct 20th) and hopes Dubois who lives nearby in London’s East End will be ringside.

Hatton added: “Believe you me he can’t wait to go to Brentwood which you could call Daniel’s back yard and put a show on.

“When Nathan and I fancy the fight it is not being disrespectful to Daniel. I don’t BS, tell tales or feel the need to publicise my fighter.

“Daniel showed a lot of improvement against Kevin Johnson – a good punch volume and stamina, but I’d be surprised if Johnson threw 50 punches in the fight and that is no exaggeration.

“You have to pat Daniel on the back and he showed improvement, but we’re up for the fight and it is now in the hands of Frank.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

NATHAN GORMAN will be slimmed down by trainer Ricky Hatton to help him add even more power to his armoury.

Heavyweight hope Gorman (13-0) goes for his fifth consecutive KO win at the Brentwood Centre, this Saturday night.

The 22-year-old might not be built like an Adonis, but he and Frank Warren stablemate Daniel Dubois are both winning plaudits and on a collision course to face each other.

British boxing great Hatton said: “Nathan’s power is developing because he’s maturing and more suited to the type of training we do.

“We have him doing a bit of strength work and we’re trying to slim him down a little bit.

“He is never going to be a body beautiful because some people aren’t built that way. We can’t all be built like Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois.

“But he is solid enough, Making him a little bit leaner and explosive will give him advantages. That is the theory behind that.

“He is also improving technically and punching with his whole body now. When he first came he was still a little bit of a rookie and arm punching.

“He is punching nastily and along with his speed and boxing ability which he is known for he is coming into his own.”

The Nantwich boxer has fought twice so far this year, and in June impressively beat good Irishman Sean Turner.

Hatton hopes that promoter Warren will find a spot for his protege on the Josh Warrington v Carl Frampton world title undercard in Manchester on December 22.

“Nathan had his career best win against Sean Turner, but we’re looking to move on from that and impress further,” added former two-weight world champion Hatton.

“He is still only a baby, but in his last fights showed what he is capable of and all about. He hasn’t even scraped the surface for what is to come.

“It looks like we’re having two fights before the end of the year and that will cap a lovely 2018 for us.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and ‘The Pexican’ Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £100, £150 and are available to purchase from Ticketmaster.

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton is convinced heavyweight hero Anthony Joshua will write another chapter in British boxing’s golden era in Cardiff on Saturday night.

Joshua looks to add Joseph Parker’s WBO belt to his IBF and WBA Super titles at the Principality Stadium and Hatton said: “I can’t see anything other than a Joshua win.

“Parker has quick hands for a heavyweight and he could give Joshua problems for a few rounds.

“But can he do it for 12 rounds is the question.

“I don’t think he can.

“I can see Joshua getting to him in the middle rounds and stopping him in the second half of the fight.”

Joshua is British boxing’s biggest star since Hatton was in his pomp around a decade ago.

Hatton now has a stable of fighters – including unbeaten heavyweight Nathan Gorman – and is also an ambassador for ‘Ultimate Boxxer,’ an exciting new single elimination tournament that premiers on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena with eight unbeaten welterweights going toe-to-toe.

“This is going to be the start of something that could be very, very exciting.” Said Hatton.

“Sky Sports and BT Sport are both doing a great job for boxing, but ‘Ultimate Boxxer’ is being shown on the internet and you can be seen by so many people on the internet these days.

“‘Ultimate Boxxer’ is a great opportunity for young fighters who might not get a chance on Sky Sports or BT Sport. There’s every chance ‘Ultimate Boxxer’ will uncover a star – or maybe two.”

‘Ultimate Boxxer’ is being held at the venue where Hatton dethroned pound-for-pound fighter Kostya Tszyu in 2006 and became a legend.

Hatton was a huge fans’ favourite, thousands followed him to the States for fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, but he said: “This is the most successful time for British boxing I can remember.

“We’ve got good fighters coming through, lots of champions and the heavyweight champion of the world.

“The heavyweight scene in Britain is exciting. We could see Dillian Whyte face Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury is coming back to win his titles back.”

ULTIMATE BOXXER I will take place at the Manchester Arena on April 28. Tickets are available from www.ultimateboxxer.com

For latest news and exclusive content on ULTIMATE BOXXER I go to www.ultimateboxxer.com; you can follow us on all social media @ultimateboxxer and join in the conversation with #ultimateboxxer

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Ricky Hatton plans to ruin old charge Ryan Burnett’s big night with the perfect game plan for Zhanat Zhakiyanov to unify the Bantamweight division when they clash for the IBF and WBA Super titles at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Hatton brings Zhakiyanov to Belfast in an historic unification battle that sees the Manchester legend in the opposite corner to the man he introduced to the paid ranks.

The IBF king turned pro with Hatton in 2012 but a stuttering start to his career saw him leave the ‘Hitman’ in 2014 after just four pro fights and team up with Adam Booth.

Hatton has admitted that Belfast was right to move onto pastures new and was proud to see the 25 year old claim the IBF crown – but warns that he will have his hands full against the WBA Super king Zhakiyanov.

“I knew 100 per cent that Ryan had the ability to go all the way when I was training him,” said Hatton. “I was having a lot of problems at the time, I wasn’t in a good place at all, and Ryan felt the training was better elsewhere.

“I wasn’t the trainer I am today. I understand why he left. There are no hard feelings. The Ricky Hatton of today is in a miles better place than the Ricky Hatton back then.

“I text him before his World Title fight with Haskins to say good luck and text him straight after to say congratulations. I think the world of Ryan and his family. He’s a great lad and a wonderful talent but I don’t think he’s going to beat us on the night.

“Ryan’s done everything asked of him so far but he’s going to have to show more than his talent in this one. If he doesn’t nail Zhanat to the canvas in the first few rounds he’s in for a very tough night. But if he doesn’t put Zhanat over in the first few then goes on to win, I’ll be the first one to shake his hand.

“They’ve sparred together and he probably just edged the sessions with those big gloves and head guard but times and circumstances change. Ryan’s in for a heap load of trouble once that bell goes.”

Zhakiyanov was the man in trouble early in his World title clash with Rau’shee Warren in February, hitting the canvas twice in the opening round in Ohio. The hometown star was unable to put the visitor away though and Zhakiyanov recovered and pulled away from Warren to rip the WBA Super strap from him via split decision – a proud night for Hatton and one he feels will serve them well against Burnett.

“He was never going to beat Warren on just boxing ability alone,” said Hatton. “He was going to beat him with a lot of heart and will to win the World Title. We had a good game plan overall but he made fundamental mistakes in the first round. I told him not to stand off Warren because he’ll ping you and what happened – he stood off and ended up on his arse. He can’t start the same against Ryan with all his skill.

“He’s learnt lessons from it and come away with a World title. He went to Ohio in Warren’s backyard to take his belt and this time he goes into Ryan’s backyard so it’s nothing new to him and the experience will help.

“He’s never looked better to be honest with you. I know you hear trainers say that a lot, but he has never looked this good. He couldn’t be any sharper.

“He’s got an extra bit of ambition and determination for this one. There’s always been that bit of rivalry between the two. The fact he used to share a gym with Ryan and spar with him at the same weight.

“Ryan hasn’t fought anyone as good as who Zhanat has been in with. He’s beat Karim Guerfi for the European who is a very, very good fighter – potential World class. Rau’shee Warren is an absolutely outstanding fighter. As good as Lee Haskins and Ryan Farrag are, they aren’t big power houses who can pack a huge punch.”

Zhakiyanov’s clash with Burnett tops a huge night of boxing in Belfast as Paul Hyland Jnr defends his IBF European Lightweight title against Stephen Ormond and James Tennyson puts his WBA International Super-Featherweight title against Darren Traynor.

Burnett’s Adam Booth gym mate Josh Kelly fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks, as is his Team GB Rio Olympic teammate Anthony Fowler.

A host of local and Irish talents appear on the bill with Cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy, Super-Lightweight Tyrone McKenna, Lightweights Joe Fitzpatrick and Gary Cully and Super-Featherweight Feargal McCrory.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £33, £44, £65 and £105 from the SSE Arena Belfast at www.ssearenabelfast.com (ticket price includes inside charge)

VIP tickets priced at £150 are exclusively available from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/

Face value tickets for October 21 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman believes his English Title fight with Nick Webb cannot fail to entertain.

Gorman fights for the vacant title on November 11th as part of the sizzling Liam Smith v Liam Williams 2 card in Newcastle, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“We both want that English title badly and I’m predicting fireworks on the night,” said the 21-year-old. “He’s 11-0 with nine knockouts, I’m 10-0 with eight knockouts.

“We’re both big men with knockout power in both hands. At the end of the day what Heavyweight can’t punch? You can’t blink in this fight.

“There’s a lot of padded records in boxing these days. Nobody wants to risk anything but I’m in this sport to take risks and win titles. I want to be mixing it with the top fighters in the Heavyweight division in two years, winning the English title is the next step on my journey.”

The Chesire Heavyweight also explained what it’s like to train under Ricky Hatton. “He’s one of the lads. The knowledge I get off him is second to none. Every day is a laugh with Ricky, it makes the training seems easier, we train incredibly hard don’t get me wrong!”

Main event at the Metro Radio Arena sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith rematch with reigning British Champion Liam Williams a WBO World Title Eliminator.

Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, will also be in action on the card; undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Leading Super-Middleweight contenders Darryll Williams and Mark Heffron have begun training under British boxing legend Ricky Hatton at his gym in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

The Hitman, a former two division World Champion, believes he is the right man to take the Frank Warren stablemates to the next level.

Unbeaten Williams will have Hatton in his corner for the first time when he faces Leicester’s Jahmaine Smyle in an eagerly awaited rematch at London’s Copper Box Arena on July 8, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Heffron, 15-0 (13 KOs), will square off with Bartolmiej Grafka at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse three weeks earlier on June 17.

“I’m over the moon that two of the best Super-Middleweights have chosen to join my gym and I think it says a lot about the work myself, Mike Jackson and Blain Younis have been doing with our lads over the past couple of years,” Hatton said.

“Darryl is a really exciting boxer and his first fight with Smyle is probably the British fight of the year so far. Everyone knows how much I liked a tear up during my career, but I’ll be aiming to add a few more subtleties to his game.

“As for Mark, what more do you need to say about him than ‘pure power’. He’s had a bit of a stop-start career, but he’s really on it now and anyone who can put away 13 of 15 opponents has to set pulses racing.

“I also train Jake Haigh and Chris Blaney so the gym is brimming with talent at Middleweight and Super-Middleweight and I think the sparring sessions alone are going to be something else.”

Tickets for Williams v Smyle 2 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:
www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Darryll Williams insists he is ready to conquer the World after teaming up British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

The South Londoner has moved his base to Manchester and is now being trained by the former two-weight World Champion at his Hyde gym.

Unbeaten Williams will have Hatton in his corner for the first time when he faces Leicester’s Jahmaine Smyle in an eagerly awaited rematch at London’s Copper Box Arena on July 8, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“Ricky can take me all the way,” said Williams who joined Hatton this week.

“I don’t think there is anyone else in this country that will be able to do what he can with me because of my style.

“I never took up boxing until I was 18 and Ricky’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr was the first boxing match I ever watched from start to finish.

“It was watching Ricky in that fight that made me want to become a professional boxer one day.

“I didn’t know much about him, but it was his fighting style that I loved. I was gutted when he lost that fight.”

Hatton was ringside when Williams snatched Smyle’s English Super-Middleweight title in a Fight of the Year contender in April.

Williams, 27, who was previously trained by Eddie Lam, added: “Ricky took a bit of a liking to me and my fighting style.

“My manager, Mickey Helliet is a good friend of his and everything just fell into place from there.

“Considering the way I fight, I think Ricky will be the best person in this country to lay his hands on me.

“He will bring out all the aggression I have and make sure I use it in the best possible way.”

Hatton will be assisted by Blain Younis and Mike Jackson, and Williams says: “We have all gelled so quickly.

“I have only been here a few days, but I am surprised how much I have learnt from Ricky.”

Tickets for July 8 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Man City fanatic Terry Flanagan wants to emulate his boyhood hero Ricky Hatton by fighting at the home of the Manchester giants. Undefeated Turbo tops an unmissable evening of action when he defends his crown against Petr Petrov at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

WBO Lightweight boss Flanagan, 32-0-0 13 KO’s, was a special guest at the Etihad yesterday, addressing the 54,000 strong crowd before City battled to an entertaining 1-1 draw with Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The 27-year-old from Ancoats became Manchester’s first World Champion since Hatton with his third-round TKO victory over Jose Zepeda back in 2015 and knows he must get past the dangerous Petrov if he is to secure huge unification showdowns with the likes of WBA Champion Jorge Linares and WBC kingpin Mikey Garcia.

“Fighting at the Etihad would be a dream come true,” said Flanagan. “I grew up as a huge Ricky Hatton fan and there was always a special atmosphere at his fights. The Manchester public bring that special atmosphere and I want those big nights that he had.

“Every time I’ve boxed in Manchester I’ve got a knockout win and I’m aiming to carry that on next month. It’s going to be a big test but one that I’m going to step-up to and deal with. If I’m not on my game he’s a potential banana skin. I have to win this if I want those big unification fights later in the year

“Having thousands of fans cheering me on gives me and real boost and I hope you can all turn out and get behind me on April 8th. I’m looking to make a big statement and I want as many of my fans in there to see it as possible.”

Flanagan vs. Petrov tops a mouth-watering night of action at the Manchester Arena; Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams clash in one of the most anticipated domestic dust-ups in recent times; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

Ricky Hatton has backed Anthony Crolla to become the first Englishman to win the Ring Magazine Lightweight title in his unification blockbuster with Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Hatton landed the Super-Welterweight strap in the same arena in April 2006 when he forced Kostya Tszyu to quit after 11 thrilling rounds.

The ‘Hitman’ will be ringside on Saturday night where Crolla aims to become Britain’s 18th Ring magazine king and join Scottish legends Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt as winners of the prestigious strap in the 135lbs division.

Hatton’s fighting days are as memorable for his fanatical supports as his achievements in the ring, and the Manchester legend is delighted to see Crolla’s support growing as his remarkable story continues.

“Where Anthony has come from is a great example,” said Hatton. “It’s not where you start in boxing, it’s where you finish. He lost a six rounder early in his career and to Derry Mathews later on, everyone wrote him off and to achieve what he has is test of his character. I’m very proud of him.

“Anthony is lovely kid, some say he is too nice to be a boxer but there is a mean streak there. He has developed in to a good all round fighter, he has a very exciting style and is brutal body puncher.

“I know he can do the business against Jorge Linares and I’ll be beaming with pride to see him lift that Ring Magazine belt.

“My proudest achievement was my fan base in my career above everything. Anthony has an amazing following now and it’s great to see a fellow Mancunian being such a big draw in our city

“I became the first Brit to win the Ring Magazine fighter of the year award. Which was a huge honour. I won the Ring Magazine belt 10 years ago and it is the accolade that proves you are the best in your weight division, it is the ultimate achievement. It looks like the belt from the Rocky movies and its very old school which adds to the glamour of it.”

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton and there will only ever be one,” said Crolla. “If I can get a bit of the support and success that Ricky had I’ll be over the moon. The crowds at the Perez and Barroso fights were unbelievable and I am sure it’s going to be rocking on Saturday too.

“I’m just so proud that I’ve been able to pay the fans back for their incredible support I’ve received. I’m not the kind of fighter that will run his mouth at press conferences or call people out, but I will happily fight anyone. You can’t want it more than me, no-one does. I’m still taken aback by it all really, I’m just a normal lad that trains hard, but things are going well and the harder you train, the luckier you get.”

Crolla’s clash Linares with is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

LONDON (3 JUNE) Undefeated heavyweight Nathan Gorman, great-nephew of Bartley Gorman, the ‘King of the Gypsies’, is seasoned beyond his nineteen years and, on July 9 at the Manchester Arena, will use all his fighting DNA to impress his biggest audience yet.

Born and raised to fight, Gorman now stands at six-foot-four, weighs eighteen stone, is unbeaten in four professional bouts, and intends to make it five from five on the undercard of the world heavyweight championship blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for me, a great platform,” he says. “I’ll be boxing in front of loads of people and everybody at home will be watching this event. It’s mad to think I’m now part of it. It’s a great chance to make a statement and get noticed by a lot of people; I plan on taking it with both hands.

“I’ve imagined what it will feel like every day. I have no idea what it will actually feel like, though. I just have to believe that a ring’s a ring and a crowd’s a crowd and, once I’m in there, I’ll be able to blank out my surroundings and get down to business. I’ve got a job to do. Even if I was fighting in my back garden, I’d still to look to put on a show.”

Everywhere Gorman looks, he tends to find inspiration. Tyson Fury, a distant relative, is his favourite fighter, and a man he considers the blueprint, while Ricky Hatton, his coach, was once one of Britain’s finest world champions and a man well-accustomed to dazzling sold-out crowds at the Manchester Arena.

“Ricky, in terms of big fight night experience, is second to none,” says Gorman. “He’s the best. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to have in your corner when fighting at the Manchester Arena. It was basically his second home.

“Not only that, every day I’m in the gym with Ricky I’m learning something new. He gives me so much confidence. I’m just happy he believes in me. We both believe I can go all the way.”

Gorman first went to the boxing gym at the age of eight, though admits the sole intention was to “mess about”, before trying again at fifteen, this time with a greater degree of seriousness. It wasn’t long – just eleven bouts, in fact – before he was winning the Junior ABAs and making his mark at the World Youth Championships.

“I achieved a lot in those eleven amateur fights but always knew I was going to gain more experience as a pro,” he says. “I’ve had four fights since December. I’ve been busy. It’s also more suited to me, style-wise, to be a pro and learn as a pro. That’s why I made the switch from the amateurs to the pros at a young age.”

On July 9 at a packed-out Manchester Arena he’ll embark on the next phase in his development. He’ll be asked to hold it together in front of thousands of fans eager to see him live up to the Gorman surname.

“Travellers are excelling in the pro game right now and I’m looking to continue that success,” says Gorman. “We’ve got two world champions (Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders) in two of boxing’s best weight divisions (heavyweight and middleweight), and Hughie Fury is also on the verge of a world title shot in the next twelve months. We’ve got other traveller lads coming through as well. It’s all looking good.

“Fighting is part of us all. We’re brought up with it. My uncle was Bartley Gorman. I come from fighting stock.”

As for the July 9 main event, Gorman, of course, sees only one winner.

“I reckon Tyson will stop Klitschko late on, probably in round ten or eleven,” he predicts. “I think there will be more action this time because Tyson now knows Wladimir’s style and he’ll take confidence from beating him in November. I think he’ll set out to hurt him in the rematch.

“I like watching Tyson at present. He’s a character, you don’t know which version of him will be in the ring – southpaw or orthodox. Tyson has brought the division back to life and it’s an exciting time to heavyweight.”

*** For tickets to REPEAT OR REVENGE: Fury vs. Klitschko 2, please visit eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000 ***

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RICKY HATTON and Hatton Promotions would like to counter claims made about Zhanat Zhakiyanov by the team of Zolani Tete.

While very initial discussions were held regarding the possibility of Zhakiyanov defending his interim WBA bantamweight title against the South African, they did not progress and no agreement was made.

Online claims that he pulled out of the fight due to weight issues are entirely unfounded.

Zhakiyanov is due to resume training with Ricky Hatton in Manchester in the next few weeks and will be looking to get back in the ring in the near future.

“Zhanat couldn’t have pulled out of facing Tete because the fight wasn’t even made,” Hatton said.

“We held initial conversations with Frank Warren (Tete’s promoter) when we talked about a whole host of things such as Nathan Gorman boxing at the Copper Box and working together in the future, but we never reached the contract and date stage for this fight. Any suggestion we did is just nonsense.

“That said we have a good working relationship with Frank and we will continue to work together in the future. For example, we have Hatton Promotions’ Kiryl Relikh defending his WBA Intercontinental title this Friday on a BoxNation show in Bolton.”

San Diego, CA – March 3, 2016 – This Saturday afternoon, March 5th, undefeated and number-two ranked WBA heavyweight contender Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (23-0-0) will battle defending WBA World Heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev (34-2-1) for his belt. The bout will be broadcast LIVE in the United States on AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment.

The action begins live at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT.

Browne is promoted by former two-division world champion and British Idol, Ricky Hatton and the Manchester great has a lot on the line this Saturday if Browne can come through with the victory.

“It would be massive for my company, very significant,”said Hatton. “Lucas would be my first world champion as a promoter, and it’s fantastic that it would be a Heavyweight title. I was a two-time world champion as a fighter. I have trained a world champion, so I don’t know many people who have done all three as a trainer, fighter and a promoter. ”

To have Browne in this position, the fighter turned promoter, is thrilled for his fighter, being that Browne was not sought after in his early career.

“I am very happy for Lucas. He came up the hard way. He was not an Olympian. In fact, it was just a few years ago, that he was working doors at the night clubs and he has put in the hard work and this is a big night for me and my company.”

Despite the fight being in enemy territory, “The Hitman”, feels his fighter is in good hands as Browne is being trained by former super middleweight world champion and British great, Nigel Benn.

“He has a great team behind him. An excellent trainer. It is going to be a tough job, but I firmly believe that he will win the fight. It will be difficult as Chagaev was a big amateur and now a world champion. Lucas who has always been known as a puncher is moving a lot better on his feet. Very fluid. Lucas has also added speed and has had great preparation.”

Being in enemy territory, Hatton knows that the fight may come down to the judges, and he believes that Browne will get a fair shake.

“I would like to think that Lucas will not need a knockout to win, but judges can be swayed by the hometown fans, but this being a world title fight, I expect world class judges. That being said, Lucas should not leave it to chance.”

With a Browne win, there is a chance a good portion heavyweight division would run through the United Kingdom as Unified champion Tyson Fury and potentially Anthony Joshua (who fights IBF champion Charles Martin on April 9) would hold most of the hardware in boxing’s glamour division.

“I thought about that. I get along well with Eddie Hearn, who has Joshua. I get a long great with my former promoter Frank Warren and you can also throw David Haye in there who is back. I can’t see any problems making fights with Joshua or Fury and we would have some massive heavyweights fights here. Lucas has fought five times here and has a good fan base.”

“The only thing that I am gutted about on Saturday is that I can’t be there with Lucas when he wins as I train a lot of young fighters and I have four of them fighting on Saturday and they need me in London with them, but Saturday will be a great day for my company.”

There will be a three fight undercard beginning at 2 PM.

In a 10-round Heavyweight bout, Edmund Gerber (25-2, 16 KO’s) of Schwerin, Germany will fight Brian Minto (41-10, 26 KO’s) of Butler, PA.

In a 10-round bout for the IBO International Welterweight title, Vishkahn Murzabekov (12-0, 6 KO’s) of Russia takes on former world title challenger Ali Funeka (37-5-3, 30 KO’s) of South Africa.

Tyrone Spong (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Miami, Florida battles David Gogishvilli (12-0, 8 Ko’s) of Gori, Georgia in a 6-round Cruiserweight bout.

Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, CenturyLink PRISM TV ch. 144 and 1144 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing are joining forces again in 2016 to bring more top class pugilism to the Midlands.

The promotional outfits hosted three successful events during the final months of last year and will pick up where they left off at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, 19th February with a nine fight card – jam-packed with undefeated boxers.

Topping the bill will be heavy-handed Halesowen favourite Lennox Clarke in an eagerly anticipated eight round battle with Harlow’s seasoned Richard Horton.

Clarke, 9-0 (3 KOs), has barely dropped a round since turning professional 26 months ago and is aiming to make 2016 a big year.

Horton, however, will be a stern test. The 34-year-old Essex man has won nine of 14 fights and has contested a title on less than three occasions.

On the undercard of ‘Undefeated’, Ricky Hatton-trained trio Nantwich’s Nathan Gorman (1-0), Market Harborough’s Reuben Arrowsmith (3-0) and Wednesbury’s Sam Evans (2-0) are back in action against as yet to be confirmed opponents.

Also appearing are West Bromwich heavyweight Matt Gordon (2-0), highly-rated Swadlincote prospect Zach Parker (3-0), Old Hill’s stylish Manny ‘Pac Man’ Zaber (3-0), Stoke’s Kieran McLaren (6-0) and Birmingham puncher Luke Heron (Walker) (2-0).

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (VIP Ringside), and can be purchased by calling 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.

AMATEUR heavyweight sensation Nathan Gorman has signed a long-term professional contract with Hatton Promotions and will have his first outing in Walsall this Saturday (December 5).

The Nantwich teenager won the ABA Youth championships in 2014 and was on the Great Britain Podium Potential squad. He had hoped to push towards a future Olympic spot but the opportunity to be promoted and trained by Ricky Hatton was too good to turn down.

Gorman comes from respected fighting stock as he is a direct descendent of Bartley Gorman, the bareknuckle boxer who was ‘King of the Travellers’ for more than two decades and served as an inspiration to actor Tom Hardy when he was preparing to play the supervillain Bane in the Hollywood blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

“Boxing is a big part of my life,” Gorman said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I want to box and it’s a great honour to be given the chance to work with a legend like Ricky Hatton.

“Along with Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jnr, Ricky was my boxing idol and been given the opportunity to be trained by him is unreal.

“I did well in the amateurs so I could have tried to push on, but the chance to work with Ricky every day was too good to miss.

“I think the pros will suit me better anyway because I like to work on the inside and get my shots off and it’s hard to do that in the amateurs because referees get involved too much.

“I’m excited about making my debut. I’ll have a lot of people supporting me and I can’t wait to show people what I can do.”

The December 5 bill is a co-promotion between Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing entitled ‘Jingle Brawls’ and is topped by an English super-lightweight title and British elimination clash between Malmesbury’s Joe Hughes and unbeaten prospect Anthony Upton.

On the undercard, fellow Ricky Hatton-trained prospect Reuben Arrowsmith has his second professional fight. Also starring will be Birmingham middleweight Luke Heron, West Brom’s Tom Stokes, unbeaten Ludlow super-welterweight Craig Morris, featherweight prospect Jack Summers, Wolverhampton’s Des Bowater, and stylish Stoke super-lightweight Kieron McLaren.

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (ringside). They can be purchased from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.

ENDS

Picture: Gorman with Ricky Hatton and assistant trainer Mike Jackson.

British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed both believe the big end of year blockbuster showdown between Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena is too tough to call.

Lee’s WBO World Middleweight title defence against Saunders, his undefeated mandatory challenger, features alongside another big world title fight between WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making the first defence of his title against Jimmy Kelly, with SIX further big title fights, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Manchester legend Hatton, a four-time and two-weight World Champion, and the British boxings superstar of the noughties who made the Manchester Arena his fortress, said, “For big blockbusters fights at the Manchester Arena, Lee v Saunders is up there with the best. You’ve got the raw, tough, aggression of Lee who’s got the power to turn things around with one punch, matched against the master boxer in Saunders who has the slick and technical ability. This is a real 50/50 fight and for once I’m stumped on picking a winner.”

The decade before The Hitman was ruled by Sheffield showman Naz, a three-time World Featherweight Champion, who lit up the arena with his own brand of fireworks, said, “This is the fight of the year for me because in my eyes you’ve got two guys who are going to have a real fight, not like Floyd Mayweather Jnr. or Manny Pacquiao, they’re not interested in offence, you know these guys aren’t going to run. It’s a 50/50 fight.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carlow clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Adrian Gonzalez defends his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. Plus the undercard features Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews and Indian superstar Vijender Singh.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

ZHANAT ZHAKIYANOV proved he belongs amongst the world’s elite by winning the interim WBA bantamweight title on Saturday night (November 7).

The Kazakh, who is trained by former four-time world champion Ricky Hatton, overcame the tall and tricky Venezuelan Yonfrez Parejo with a split decision verdict in front the of the great and the good of Monte Carlo.

Zhakiyanov had blasted out his previous 12 opponents and hoped to make it 13, but Parejo took him the long route by refusing to engage in close.

The South American’s jab and move tactic gave Zhakiyanov a few problems in the early rounds, but he refused to let his frustration show and continued to patiently stalk his foe before getting off single hooks.

With Parejo tiring, Zhakiynov took control of the fight down the stretch. Urged to “throw more shots” by Hatton, “ZZ” stepped across his opponent and connected regularly with quality punches.

Judges Giuseppe Quartarone and Stanley Christodoulou scored it 116-113 and 115-113 respectively against Levi Martinez’s verdict of 112-116.

“I’m very proud of what Zhanat has achieved,” Hatton, who is also Zhakiyanov’s promoter, said. “He was in with a very good opponent, who gave him a lot to think about, but he stuck to the game plan and got the job done.

“We said we wanted a knockout before the fight and think there were a few times when Zhanat hurt Parejo, but you can’t always have an early night and this victory is still as sweet as can be.

“The people of Kazakhstan love their boxing and I think Zhanat will have become something of a national hero now. They’ve got great fighters like Golovkin and Shumenov at world level already and now they’ve got Zhanat to get behind.

“He can go back home now with his new belt, have some well-deserved time off, and prepare himself for a massive 2016.

“This win has opened the door to the really big fights and I think it’s only a matter of time before he gets his hands on the full WBA title as well as a few more world titles.”