By Mark Vester
Frank Warren, the former promoter of Ricky Hatton, was not overly impressed with Hatton's recent win over Paulie Malignaggi. In his latest Frankly Speaking column, Warren says that Hatton looked good, but didn't have an opponent who was actually fighting back on the other end. To really see what Hatton has left, Warren says a live opponent is needed in the opposite corner.
"I thought he looked good at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - the scene of his defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jnr - when he stopped Paul Malignaggi late on. But the problem was that he wasn't confronting the same mugger – Malignaggi wasn't in the same class as Mayweather, and to be kind to him, he was very, very ordinary," Warren said.
"I've always said that I'm not sure if against quality opposition Hatton is a 12-round fighter anymore, and I don't think we found out if he is or not against Malignaggi. If Hatton had been facing someone who was firing back and more of a test, we would have discovered if his lifestyle has caught up with him and if his powers are declining. The light-welter division was once strong but these days it's very average."
Warren also made a comment about the rumors that Hatton's ex-trainer Billy Graham may sue the fighter to recoup outstanding funds. He also gave a counter to some recent comments made by Hatton, who plans to become a full-time promoter when his fighter career is done.
"We're working with Golden Boy in America and we may do some shows with Frank Maloney, who is pal of mine."
"Hatton calls Maloney his "pal", but he also said that about Dennis Hobson when he was promoting him. But Hobson was dumped by Hatton when the big fight came along. Ex-trainer Billy Graham, rumoured to be about to sue for his share of the profits of the Mayweather fight, is another "pal" who is unhappy at the way he has been treated. But as the old boxing saying goes, if you want loyalty get a dog," Warren said.
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