By Terence Dooley

Ricky Hatton is convinced that he can take some of Manchester’s rough diamonds and turn them into world title contenders.  Hatton told STV that he is enjoying life as a promoter, he has put together a strong bill for next Friday’s show at the Manchester Velodrome - Michael Brodie will top the bill.

Hatton believes that his promotional company will stretch its tentacles across the UK, but he is first seeking to add a stack of local talent to his books.

“As a promoter I want to broaden my horizons and be promoting all over the country, but I think in Manchester there is a hotbed for champions,” explained Hatton.  “It's like the capital of boxing and I think probably since I stopped boxing at the MEN Arena, all the other local Manchester boxers - who happen to be personal friends of mine - all the work seemed to dry up for them.  Once you've been fortunate enough to have been a champion in your own right, the next best thing is to try and make champions out of people, so that's what we are doing.”

Hatton also revealed that he might well take a leaf out of Brodie’s book.  Michael was defeated by Scott Harrison back in 2005, the popular local boxer had a break, recharged his batteries, and is now preparing to give things one last go - could Hatton follow suit?

“I find myself in a similar position to Mike Brodie in many respects - he's had a break from it, recharged his batteries and now he is hungry as ever wanting to come and get back into the action,” revealed Hatton. 

“I'm having a rest,” he continued.  “It's a hard game, boxing - you're up in the morning running every day, you train in the afternoon, you're dieting, you're up and down in weight and it can wear you down.  I'm recharging the batteries and once I've done that I can sit down and like Michael Brodie has done, come back with the bit between my teeth.”

Brodie will be joined by David Barnes, a former British titleholder, as is Andy Morris, who also features, the new guard will be represented by ‘Genius’ Joe Murray.

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