Hatton throws down the gauntlet

Oldham boxer Craig Watson

BOXING: RICKY Hatton has challenged Oldham’s Craig Watson to rebuild his career — starting on Saturday at the Manchester Velodrome.

Watson, who joined Hatton’s Hyde-based stable in 2010, takes on Poland’s Tomasz Mazurkiewicz on the undercard of Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe’s British super bantamweight title clash.

Successive British welterweight title defeats at the hands of Lee Purdy left the 29 year old considering retirement, but the Failsworth fighter claims he has found a new lease of life.

And Hatton wants to witness Watson’s second coming this weekend against orthodox Mazurkiewicz (28), who has won five professional fights, lost seven and drawn two. Watson (pictured) has enjoyed 20 triumphs, losing five times.

“It was a massive disappointment for Craig to lose his British title. He is one of my most dedicated boxers,” said Hatton. “I will be right behind him to get him the right fights. This is a great opportunity for Craig to get back in the mix of things.

Craig said: “I am so excited about fighting on Saturday. Mazurkiewicz is a very good boxer. Imagine me fighting him at Oldham Sports Centre — I love it there and the atmosphere is amazing.”

Chadderton’s Tommy Stubbs has been forced to withdraw from the bill.