Hoboken, New Jersey . . . IBF light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and WBA titleholder Carlos Maussa took time out of their training schedules to reflect on their upcoming bout. The 39-fight unbeaten Hatton, who impressively ripped the IBF title from world No.1 Kostya Tszyu three months ago with an 11th round retirement win, is keen to cement his standing as the 140lbs division’s leading fighter but is anticipating a severe examination against the 33-year-old Maussa. The Colombian claimed the WBA crown in June with a shock seventh round stoppage of American Vivian Harris and his clash with Hatton promises to be an explosive one. Here is what the pugilist had to say about their fights as well as other topics.
RICKY HATTON – EXCERPTS FROM CONFERENCE CALL - 11/15/05
Thoughts About Fighting Maussa?
“I’ve seen the films of Maussa, and I’m expecting a handful…very difficult and very tenacious its hard to know what he’s going to do. The thing is I’m not sure he knows what he’s going to do. But I’m looking forward to it. For the fans, it’s going to be a fun fight to watch.
“I always wanted the WBA belt and when I fought Kostya Tszyu I didn’t get that belt because they had made Tszyu Super Champion. Maussa will help me get the belt I should have got the night I beat Tszyu, who lost it but not in the ring.”
On Mayweather vs Mitchell fight?
“I can’t speak more highly for Mayweather as a boxer, he’s definitely proven himself. His last fight was spectacular. As far as his fight with Mitchell is concerned, it’s not a TV fight. I think you’re going to see a match of styles, both fight off the back foot. I don’t think it is a great television fight though. It’s going to be a chest-match, which could mean little action, and little excitement. So to make it exciting someone needs to commit and make the fight happen. In boxing you never know, hopefully they’ll surprise us but I doubt it."
Comments on the fallout between you and Frank Warren?
“ I really can’t go into detail, but I’ll tell you that there were a series of events that made it more difficult to continue to work with Frank. We were together for 8 years and he did a good job moving me along. In that eight years, we trusted Frank and never once sought out a solicitor or anyone to watch over him. Then some things happened that made me being to question the relationship. When we did ask to see things, there was hesitation on his part and when I tried to bring in legal counsel for help, he just dismissed our efforts further.
"I’ve had a fight by fight contract with Frank Warren. I came to realize how many other fights are out there with more money that I was missing out on. I was watching the Gatti-Mayweather fight, I had a nice conversation with the guys at Main Events…a couple words then and again at the Maussa-Harris fight. Shortly after that Main Events made an offer, a better offer.
"Even after we spoke to them and received a great offer, we went back to Frank and thought he was going to make a better offer. The only offer we received back from him was that he was going to take us to court. If Frank had come back with another offer we would have considered it but instead he pulled a "Bully Biter" and started talking about a three-fight deal we had with him. We never had any kind of three-fight deal with him - written or verbal.
“I’m trying to do what’s right for my career. I tried to be polite about it but then I have to hear from the press some things that were said about the situation, he made some personal remarks about my family, bad things about my Dad, he obviously has a bruised ego. But we had eight years together, we definitely had some good times, good match-ups. The whole situation is unfortunate. Know what, never say never, right now we both have to go make money, there’s no saying we can’t go our separate ways and in the future work together again.”
How do you move on after the emotional win over Kostya Tszyu?
“The win over Kostya Tszyu was a win of a lifetime. I’ve fought 37 fights and I’m only 29, I’m in my prime. After a fantastic win like that I’ve just got to work hard, train hard and constantly improve. I’m always looking ahead, keep my mind on what’s the next step?”
What can we expect in this fight?
“This fight against Maussa you are going to see a more rounded fight. Maussa got a good chin, he can throw and take some good punches, but I’m more polished, my techniques are better. I’ve always had a good chin but now I’m more polished, I’ve got a good work weight. No matter how long the fight lasts no matter who wins, you’ll definitely see some good punches.”
On Coming To America to Fight
"Some of the best pound for pound fighters are in my division and I am looking forward to more fantastic wins and fantastic nights. The thought of fighting the best is what keeps me going in the sport. I said from day one I wanted to fight the best and I look forward to coming to America to fight them too. I will go anywhere to fight. I would definitely fight Floyd Mayweather in the States. No problem."
CARLOS MAUSSA (As told to his Head Trainer Roberto Quesada)
How the things changed since you were a champion?
“Since June 25, 2005 to the present, when I became champion all the things in my life are great. My whole life I was dreaming for this, since I became professional boxer my dreams are realizing little by little.”
What is the meaning for you to Unify these titles?
“For me will be a great deal of pride and satisfaction and also a great victory for all the people that are contributing to help me unify the titles for the 140 pounds version of the WBA and IBF and I think I will win, this will be a great step in my life as a professional boxer.”
How do you think you will defeat Hatton?
“I will win Hatton based in my excellent preparation I never prepared myself so well and seriously. There are only a few days left for the fight against Hatton, that I think I will win without objection, I never felt so great before like now for this fight against Hatton.”
Both are champions how do you think to develop this fight?
“I see myself imposing my will against Hatton as the fight progresses. I will be in my best condition for the final rounds. I’m ready to end this fight when I determinate the end will be. The November 26 nobody will be able to beat Carlos Maussa I only ask God to bless everybody.”
The Hatton vs Maussa fight at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England on November 26th will be broadcast live in the United States on Pay Per View ($19.95) at 4:00pm ET. The event is being promoted by Fight Academy in association with Main Events and All-Star Boxing, Inc. The broadcast—the unification bout along with the undercard matches—will be available in over 50 million Pay Per View homes via cable systems from iN Demand & TVN and from satellite providers DirecTV & Dish Network. The broadcast is being distributed in the USA by Integrated Sports.
