Warren Hits Back at Hatton Over Khan Fight Jab
By Mark Vester
Promoter Frank Warren has hit back at Ricky Hatton over the fighter's comments regarding a potential fight with Amir Khan, the WBA junior welterweight champion. Hatton told British papers that he won't fight Khan as long as Warren is in charge of promoting the fight. Warren and Hatton had a nasty break several years back.
"Ricky Hatton said this week that he wouldn't fight Amir Khan if I was promoting the fight. If it does happen that should be the least of Hatton's worries. This week it emerged that during his recent hospital stay doctors said he had a heart murmur - but he has had that problem for years. If Hatton decides fights again I am sure the British Boxing Board of Control will ensure he has a very thorough medical before they decide whether he is fit to box anyone," Warren said.
Warren blames Hatton's lifestyle as the reason for his decline in health. He would rather see Hatton retire. He doesn't give him much of a chance against Khan.
"Board secretary Robert Smith prides himself on looking after the health of boxers, so he won't want to see Hatton back in the ring if he's in any danger. Ricky says his condition isn't related to his bad living outside of the ring, which includes binge drinking sessions. But I can't believe that there isn't a link between the two," Warren said.
"I think this week's news pushes Hatton a step closer to retirement, and who can blame him if he quits. All the talk at the moment is about who he fights next - but Ricky's taken his knocks and has made his money. Does he need to fight on? I've already expressed my views on the outcome of any fight between Khan and Hatton, but it made me laugh this week when a few people said that any win for Amir would be flattering."
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