Post by earl on Dec 20, 2007 17:07:41 GMT
Irish boxing fans may get a chance to witness Ricky Hatton in the flesh next year after it was confirmed that the 'hitman' was in talks with an Irish promoter.
Dunshaughlin-based Brain Peters, who promotes Irish boxers John Duddy, Andy Lee and Bernard Dunne amongst others, wants to bring the Manchunian to Dublin to fight in front of his adoring Irish fans.
And Hatton, who lost his unbeaten record after 43 consecutive wins when stopped by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last Saturday week, would be a massive draw for the ambitious Irish promoter.
"Talks are in place, but it is too early to say anything more than that," Peters told The Irish Star.
"Ricky Hatton is a very appealing fighter with a very wide appeal to boxing fans, and it would be a privilege for me to have him on one of my show... but we'll just have to wait and see."
Ray Hatton, Ricky's father and manager, confirmed the offer.
"It is true that Ricky has been offered a fight in Ireland and, because he has such a big fan base there, it is something we is have to seriously consider," he said.
"It is really too early to say who he will take on next, but it will be a world-ranked opponent, as Ricky has got to get up for it.
"I can see a fight with WBC light-welterweight champion Junior Witter at some stage, but not right now.
"Ricky is only 29 and he could go on until his early 30s, but he doesn't want to fight when he is a shadow of himself."
Dunshaughlin-based Brain Peters, who promotes Irish boxers John Duddy, Andy Lee and Bernard Dunne amongst others, wants to bring the Manchunian to Dublin to fight in front of his adoring Irish fans.
And Hatton, who lost his unbeaten record after 43 consecutive wins when stopped by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last Saturday week, would be a massive draw for the ambitious Irish promoter.
"Talks are in place, but it is too early to say anything more than that," Peters told The Irish Star.
"Ricky Hatton is a very appealing fighter with a very wide appeal to boxing fans, and it would be a privilege for me to have him on one of my show... but we'll just have to wait and see."
Ray Hatton, Ricky's father and manager, confirmed the offer.
"It is true that Ricky has been offered a fight in Ireland and, because he has such a big fan base there, it is something we is have to seriously consider," he said.
"It is really too early to say who he will take on next, but it will be a world-ranked opponent, as Ricky has got to get up for it.
"I can see a fight with WBC light-welterweight champion Junior Witter at some stage, but not right now.
"Ricky is only 29 and he could go on until his early 30s, but he doesn't want to fight when he is a shadow of himself."
