Reports Say Tszyu-Hatton Almost Done

Published

By Rick Reeno

Reports coming out of England state that a deal to match Jr. Welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu against undefeated Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton is almost a done deal. The bout is tentatively scheduled for March 5, 2005 at Manchester's MEN Arena. Hatton is facing Ray Oliveira in London on December 11. Tszyu is not taking any bout prior to the Hatton bout, Tszyu only wants big money fights.

The way things stand at the moment is that Hatton has yet to agree to the fight terms and his promoter, Frank Warren, is the putting together a fight package acceptable to the British and American TV networks.

The fight is so close that Warren is already telling the media that Tszyu has agreed to the terms of the fight and an announcement is very close. The combined purse is said to be in range of $5 million dollars, Tszyu obviously getting the much bigger piece of the share.

"I believe I am close to an announcement - this fight is definitely on. Tszyu said he wanted a big fight, and they don't come any bigger than facing Ricky in his own back yard in front of a 22,000 crowd." said Warren

Comments

The1GodWed Dec 1, 2004, 8:13 PM UTC

Isn't it Warren that keeps him fighting there? I think if it were 100% up to Hatton, he would have fought Mitchell and Kostya by now. You cant question the kid's courage and heart.

vandaNEXTlegendWed Dec 1, 2004, 7:56 PM UTC

Only problem, is that if Hatton wins, he'll never leave the MEN arena for the rest of his career. I hope that's the case because I consider the MEN the most electic arena to see a fight. I've been to MSG and Staples for fights and they don't even compare to the energy you get at the MEN. Let's pray Hatton wins!

MikieWed Dec 1, 2004, 6:19 PM UTC

I believe he can put on a great show because he likes to bang and I have yet to see him in a boring fight. As a American, I love to watch a fighter that gives the boxing fans and the public excitement in the ring, which he does. With that being said, this is the wrong guy to trade shots with especially knowing Tszyu has middleweight punching power. Trading shots with Tszyu can make for a short night. Hatton has to box and pick and choose his spots to frustrate Tszyu. It will be very interesting to see how well Hatton takes Tszyu's first power shot.

drag0n_Wed Dec 1, 2004, 6:00 PM UTC

Your all harsh on Ricky, "He doesn't deserve a shot" - If anyone does, it's Ricky after all the **** Warren has put Ricky through. Give the kid a chance, some credit even - it's obvious he wants this real bad. And if he does fight Kostya, i bet he'll give a better fight than Zudah (lasted 2 rounds) and Mitchell (Battered in 3) Come on guys, as biased as you Americans are to the Brits, you've gotta say Ricky would put up a show for as long as it lasts!

The1GodWed Dec 1, 2004, 3:36 PM UTC

This is Ricky's chance to shine. I wish he would take Mitchell on first but he has his chance now, he always steps up to the plate and fights his fight. This is something the sport needs, it could be the start of a new trilogy..... I pick Kostya to win by KO, but I do wish Ricky the best of luck. In this sport, anything can happen!

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