Watson’s sights on hometown dream

YOU’RE THE MAN . . . Ricky Hatton (right) wants Craig Watson’s first defence of the British title to take place in Oldham. The pair are pictured before Athletic’s home match against Peterborough United.

BOXING: ATHLETIC might have failed to pack a punch at the weekend when they lost 5-0 to Peterborough United, but a couple of familiar faces from the boxing world at least gave punters something to cheer about.

Oldham-born Craig Watson, sporting his new British welterweight belt, was joined in the centre circle by former world champion Ricky Hatton.

Watson, who beat old rival John O’Donnell at Wembley Arena, has been part of Hatton’s successful stable of Hyde-based boxers for almost a year.

He still trains at Northside under the guidance of long-term trainer Joe Pennington.

Even though the 28-year-old fears he is jinxing Paul Dickov’s npower League One side, he still cannot wait for the hometown bout which has been put on the table by Hatton Promotions.

Watson said: “I have been to Boundary Park twice, and both times they have lost. Carlisle beat them, and then Peterborough won. I think it might be my fault!

“But it was great to go along with my belt and for Ricky to join me.

“Hatton Promotions want the first defence of my British title to take place in Oldham, which would be a dream come true.

“And it is no secret that one day, further down the line, I would love to fight in front of fans at Boundary Park.

“I am grateful for the backing I receive but it would be great to introduce more people to the sport in Oldham. It is so different from the television coverage.

“My girlfriend’s mum had never been to a fight, but came to Wembley Arena. At first she was unsure, but by the end of the bout she was stood on her seat cheering.”

Watson is now waiting on Hatton Promotions to finalise plans to bring professional boxing back to Oldham Sports Centre, and for a suitable opponent to be selected.

Hatton said: “With regards to the fight itself, we will sit down with Craig’s trainer, Joe Pennington, to see which sort of opponent he feels would be suitable.

“This is the time for Craig to kick-on in his career, which has been a bit stop-start despite some very good wins, including one against my brother Matthew a couple of years ago.

“We hope to make fast progress with a show in Oldham, it is just a case of getting through the red tape and also establishing who Craig should fight next.”