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Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton
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In an interview Doghouseboxing.com conducted with WBA light welterweight champion Vivian Harris back on July 18th, he stated "I'll bet Ricky Hatton $50,000 he won't beat me." Well, Ricky Hatton has told the Doghouse that he will take Harris up on the $50,000 bet. If the negotiations don't fall through the two will meet on October 2nd for Harris's WBA light welterweight title in Hatton's hometown of Manchester England. Hatton, 36-0 (26), believes that Harris, 24-1 (16), got lucky in his recent fight against Oktay Urkal, but says that the Guyana-born champion will need more than luck against him. There is plenty of bad blood between these two hungry fighters and providing they meet in the ring come October, a barnburner of a fight is assured. Harris is without a doubt the toughest opponent Hatton has faced, but the unbeaten Manchurian is more than confident that he will win. A victory over Harris could open the door to a Gatti-Hatton fight in the future. Ricky's Dad and longtime friend Paul Speak were ringside for the Gatti-Dorin fight on the 24th of July, and Arturo Gatti and his manager Pat Lynch will be ringside for the Hatton-Harris bout to return the favor. Is this the making of a bout with Gatti in the future? Only time will tell, but for now Hatton has his sights set on Vivian Harris and his WBA title. Hatton is also out to prove to the boxing world that he is not protected by his promoter Frank Warren, and that he is the best the division has to offer. Hatton stopped by the Doghouse to talk about his upcoming bout with Harris, his future in the boxing world and his thoughts on the allegations made by Vivian Harris.
Benny Henderson Jr.: How has your training been going?
Ricky Hatton: Fantastic, been training several weeks now and will take the belt.
BH: Do you feel that this bout with Vivian Harris will be your toughest test to date?
RH: Yes, we can both punch. It won't be dull. Harris struggled with Urkal and I'm better than him.
BH: What will be your keys to victory?
RH: Educated pressure, high work rate and have a war with him. I have more in my armory.
BH: Vivian Harris stated that he would bet you $50,000 that you would lose, would you take that bet?
RH: Yes I would. I think Harris is full of crap talk though. He says he'll knock me out in four but even so, he is hanging out for even more money.
BH: Harris stated that you have a big mouth and you have no punching power. What are your thoughts on his comments?
RH: Bullshit again, everyone knows I don't badmouth anyone. No wonder no one likes him in America. He can fight but he has no class.
BH: Do you plan on fighting in the United States, and if yes when?
RH: As soon as possible.
BH: How do you think the American fans will embrace you?
RH: I come to fight and give value for money and I don't talk trash like some people.
BH: Some people have said that your promoter Frank Warren has been protecting you. What are your thoughts on that?
RH: Not at all. We've offered Harris $400,000 more than he got for Urkal and he still wants more.
BH: Who inspired you to want to box, and who are your boxing heroes?
RH: Roberto Duran because how much fight fans love him.
BH: After the Harris bout who would you like to step in the ring with next?
RH: Arturo Gatti. Wow! What a fight.
BH: Vivian Harris stated that he has to travel to fight you, because you will not fight him in the United States. Is that true, and if yes, why?
RH: No, he has to come to Manchester and to Germany because he isn't as popular in the States as he thinks.
BH: What is your best quality as a boxer?
RH: Respect for everyone I face, taking none lightly and keeping my feet on the ground.
BH: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
RH: Being one of boxing's biggest ticket sellers. I sell 20,000 tickets. Vivian Harris sells 20.
BH: In closing is there anything you would like to say to the fans a Vivian Harris?
RH: I'm scared of no-one I will fight anyone. VIVIAN YOU GOT LUCKY AGAINST URKAL. YOU WON'T GET LUCKY AGAINST ME.
I would like to thank Paul Speak for all his help with this interview. I would also like to thank Ricky Hatton for taking the time out for Doghouse Boxing and the fans. For more information on Hatton visit his website: The Official Site of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Benny Henderson Jr. (Aug 2, 2004) 
