Hatton rounds on critics
Matthew Hatton has brushed aside controversy surrounding his surprise world title shot.
Hatton, the European welterweight champion will face highly-rated Mexican youngster Saul Alvarez for the vacant WBC light-middleweight championship in California on March 5. The bout will take place at a catchweight of 150lb, 4lb below the light-middleweight limit and that has led many to question the legitimacy of the contest.
But Hatton said: "I've not been getting involved in all that and let's be clear, I took the fight before it was a world title fight because it's a great opportunity. I was prepared to take on Alvarez at a catchweight of 150lb, so I think my bravery in taking a fight like this at a weight up has been rewarded."
Manny Pacquiao's wins over Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, along with Floyd Mayweather's return to boxing against Juan Manuel Marquez in November 2009, have brought catchweight contests - those from outside the familiar weight classes - to prominence in boxing.
Opinion is divided on their impact upon the sport, but Hatton is comfortable with the concept.
The Mancunian added: "The weight has got to suit both fighters and if it's a fight that people want to see - and people do want to see this fight - I don't see a problem in fights taking place at catchweight."
In the bout itself, Hatton is expected to have his work cut out against the prodigiously talented Alvarez.
One of the rising stars of the sport, 20-year-old Alvarez is undefeated in 36 contests since turning professional at 15 and boasts 26 knockouts.
"You can't knock him really. From what I've seen of him he's an excellent young fighter," said Hatton, who is unbeaten in his last nine fights.
"He's a good all-rounder - he can fight, he can box, he's obviously got a lot of power. He's a strong guy but like any other fighter he's got weaknesses."
Date published :
22 Feb 2011 - 16:00:17
