june 4rth is the fight i think
latest comments:
IBF welterweight king Kostya Tszyu, who will meet the enormously popular Ricky Hatton on June 4 in the most hostile of environments – the challenger’s backyard before 18,000 fans at MEN Arena in Manchester, England, says the fight presents exactly the kind of challenge he needs. "This fight has motivated me to train harder than I ever have before," said Tszyu, who has won 13 consecutive bouts, 11 by knockout. "Hatton is a very good fighter. He wants to get something that has belonged to me for many years. I am looking forward to the fight because I have the hunger too. Hatton will give me a tremendous physical challenge, but I will be ready. Tszyu is not concerned about the unusual start time. "Actually, it will benefit me more than Hatton because 11AM Aussie time is 2AM in England. When I go to Manchester, I will train at two in the morning, but I do not intend to change my routine at all.....Hatton will come at me, especially with the big crowd urging him on. He learned to move forward and apply pressure at the beginning of his career. I, on the other hand, can box or slug. I will have to fight smartly because Hatton is strong."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ricky Hatton stated, "I have waited a long time to prove myself against the very best, and now I am getting that chance against a boxer regarded as the king in my weight class. At times, it really gets on my nerves when people say I am not world class. I have done all that is asked of me. I have not had a lot of close calls. I should receive a lot more credit than I do.....as strong as Tszyu is, he is not an exceptional in-fighter. So, if I move in quick and throw punches, I will have some success. He just pushed and shoved against Mitchell and Judah. However, because he was so physically strong, he could get away with it. I will deliver volumes of combinations to the head and body. He will not be able to push me around. My danger zone is going to be where Tszyu is in the range to explode one of his big right hands. I have a lot of respect for his right. I do not want to see how strong it is."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOWTIME will televise the potential fight of the year candidate on Saturday, June 4, 2005, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). The highly-anticipated event will be co-promoted by Frank Warren's Sports Network and Millenium Events.