RICKY HATTON has replaced Gareth Williams as CEO of Hatton Promotions.
Although Gareth will no longer be working full time for the group he will still be retained as Hatton Promotions legal advisor and representative.
In recent months Ricky has proved that he has fully recovered from depression and taken a hands on role within his organisation.
Late in 2011 he took out a trainers licence and is overseeing a mushrooming empire which includes a clothing brand, a private members gym and a TV network.
The flagship company is his boxing outfit, Hatton Promotions who are the EBU European Promoters of the Year and have produced dozens of major champions in three years.
Ricky said: “This is just a structural change within the group and Gareth will only be a phone call away for any issues we have.
“Once I officially announced my retirement last summer my plan was to gradually have a bigger role in our progress.
“My battle with depression was well documented and this is further evidence that I have bounced back.
“Gareth is a close, personal friend of mine and that will continue despite this change and I cannot thank him enough for the job he has done apart from legal matters.”
Ricky will continue to work closely with Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing, Richard Poxon and the rest of his experienced team.
Kell Brook’s opponent for their huge Sheffield showdown on March 17 has warned Brook that he is coming to spoil the party.
Brook is riding the crest of a wave after extending his winning record to 26-0 with a fifth round stoppage win over Luis Galarza on his American debut on December 17 in Atlantic City.
The 26 year-old headlines the biggest show of his career to date on March 17 live on Sky Sports at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, but his opponent – who will be unveiled at a press conference at the venue tomorrow (January 11) – has warned Brook that he is travelling to the Steel City confident of victory.
“It's a massive fight. Kell has been getting a lot of exposure from Sky and a lot of boxing experts rate him highly,” said the mystery man. “He is a big hit in Sheffield but going and fighting someone on away turf doesn't bother me, I feel very confident that I can travel to Sheffield and beat him on his home patch.
“This is a massive night and a massive fight but it's nothing new to me. I've boxed class opposition in big arenas all over the world so experience will play a part in this fight. Fighting Kell in Sheffield isn't something that's going to keep me awake at night, in fact, I’m just full of energy and excitement at the thought of that first bell on March 17.”
Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted to be bringing such a massive occasion to Sheffield and is urging fans to snap up the hottest ticket in town when they go on sale at 2pm on Wednesday.
“This fight has taken it’s time to arrive but I couldn’t be happier that we have finally got it on,” said Hearn. “When I first sat down with Kell, I told him that I saw him headlining a sell-out night at the Motorpoint Sheffield Arena and now we’re here. This is just the start of what we want to do in 2012 and we’re going to get Sheffield jumping on March 17.
“The phones have been going crazy with people asking for ticket details – the information will be released tomorrow when the press conference begins and ticket sales will commence at 2pm.”
KIERAN FARRELL GALLOPING TO THE TOP
KIERAN FARRELL will challenge for his first professional title when he meets Jon Baguley over ten rounds for the vacant Central area light-welterweight title at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre on Friday March 2.
The card is the latest in Hatton TV’s Friday fight night series that is broadcast live on You Tube and draws tens of thousands of fans from around the globe.
Heywood’s Farrell, 21, has romped to victory in all 11 professional fights and lost just ONE round during the three-year period.
But the Bobby Rimmer trained and Paul Speak managed slugger is expecting a big test from Rotherham’s Baguley (9-20-2).
Farrell who lives and breathes boxing, going to bed at 8pm every night said: “Jon will bring the best out of me.
“The fans will be in for a treat because Jon gives as good as he gets, and is the best opponent I have faced so far.
“He is a decent kid and I watched him hammer Vinny Mitchell who was unbeaten so he is a proper test.
“He has a go, stands there and trades. That is what I love, someone standing there and throwing a few back.”
Baguley, 23, knocked out Mitchell in February 2010, and has also mixed with top class operators like British champ Anthony Crolla, Andy Murray, Mark Moran, Kevin O’Hara. Liam Walsh and John Watson.
Farrell warned: “This will be the first of many titles for me.”
The bill will showcase some of the north-west’s best young fighters including Ricky Hatton trained Adam Little, Jimmy Kelly and Ryan Doyle.
Boxing starts at 7pm tickets are priced at £30 general admission and £55 ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com
