Hatton hails hotbed Oldham

Photo: MARK ROBINSON/HATTON PROMOTIONS

JOB DONE: Denton Vassell celebrates victory over Samuel Colomban.

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

RICKY Hatton has thanked Oldham’s paying public for their support after the town’s boxing enthusiasts turned out in force at the weekend.

The Hitman made his debut as a trainer at Oldham Sports Centre — he was in Adam Little’s corner and oversaw the Blackpool scrapper’s 40-36 victory over Billy Smith.

The bout supported Denton Vassell’s successful second defence of his Commonwealth welterweight title. Ancoats-based Vassell was taken the distance by Australian Samuel Colomban, but he earned a unanimous points decision after landing considerably more blows.

Hatton Promotions staged the event — their second visit to Oldham in the space of four months.

At the conclusion of an exciting night, Hatton said: “We genuinely enjoy coming to Oldham and I think it is becoming a hotbed for up-and-coming talent.

“I would like to thank people from the area for keeping the faith and showing their support for the return to the town of professional boxing.

“We will definitely be back in Oldham in 2012. Hopefully people will continue to turn out in their droves.

“On a personal note it was nerve-wracking to make my debut as a trainer but it was not my night. Adam fought very well despite hurting his hand in the second round and I am pleased with his win.

“We knew it would not be easy but Adam kept plugging away.”

Before the action started, The Last Post was performed by 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in honour of service men and women who have lost their lives in conflict.

A two-minute silence was then impeccably observed. Cruiserweight Matty Askin maintained his unbeaten record with a third-round stoppage of Czech Roman Kracik.

It moved the 22-year-old closer to a showdown with British champion Leon Williams.

Heywood’s Kieran Farrell extended his unbeaten run to 11 by claiming a points victory over cautious Egyptian Youssef Al Hamidi.

Such was the foreigner’s perchant for running away from Farrell, Hatton left his seat and told trainer to Chris Aston to urge his charge to fight.

Farrell attempted to goad Al Hamidi by leaning against the ropes in a ‘come and get me’ stance, but the pattern continued and Farrell took the contest 60-54.

Kieran Maher, a stablemate of Farrell’s at Hatton's gym in Hyde, took just one minute and 58 seconds to stop Gavin Putney.

A stinging right hook rocked the Luton lad early on and a flurry of punches soon afterwards saw referee John Latham halt proceedings.

Graeme Higginson’s corner retired their man at the end of the fifth round against former Commonwealth featherweight champion Paul Truscott.

And Liverpool’s James Dickens, an ex-ABA champion, stopped James Ancliff.

The writing was on the wall in the first round when the Scot was twice knocked onto the canvas.

Before the third could get under way his trainer, Derek Roche, decided enough-was-enough after some devastating combinations from the up-and-coming Scouser.