By Robert Coster
Ricky Hatton is very busy nowadays thinking as a promoter rather than a boxer and Ricky is thoroughly taken up with his new endeavor. “I’ve had my share of titles in the ring, but now I want to start producing world champions as a promoter,” says Ricky. One such young man that Hatton sees as a promising addition to his new promotional company is British middleweight champion Matthew Macklin (24-2, 17 KOs), a former sparring partner, who will be challenging for the vacant European title against touted Finn Amir Asikainen at the Manchester Velodrome on September 25th in a Ricky Hatton card. The 27-year-old Macklin declared himself to be delighted at the opportunity of being guided by his famous former sparring partner: “I’m really thankful for the vote of confidence from Ricky. Fighting Amir Asikainen who is ranked 4th by the IBF is a momentous step for my career. It means that I will really be knocking at the door of a title shot.” Concurs promoter, Hatton: “Matthew and I must have sparred hundred of rounds so I know him well. He’s a quality fighter and I am happy to provide him with the possibility of moving towards world title contention, which will be the case if he wins the European title.”
